WO2016058991A1

WO2016058991A1 - Polymers featuring enhanced flow

Info

Publication number: WO2016058991A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/073566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suresh R. Sriram; Joel Flores; Sherita ALEXANDER
Original assignee: Solvay Specialty Polymers Usa, Llc
Priority date: 2014-10-16
Filing date: 2015-10-12
Publication date: 2016-04-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to end-capped polymers with certain non-reactive bulky end-capping agents and to a method for improving the rheological properties of polymers.

Description

Polymers featuring enhanced flow

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/064,725, filed October 16, 2014, the whole content of this application being incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to end-capped polymers with certain bulky end-capping agents and to a method for improving the rheo logical properties of polymers.

Background of the invention

Injection molding is used for the manufacture of many and various plastic parts where the plastic material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mould cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity. Today, many commercially available thermoplastic polymers are shaped using this manufacturing process.

Unfortunately, certain defects may arise on the injection molded parts when intricate molds or when certain materials are used. Among them, one may mention flash, voids, short shots, warping, weld lines, etc.

In particular, it is often difficult to manufacture thin wall molded parts. One of the factors responsible for this is the fact that certain polymers suffer from poor rheological properties and in particular high viscosity which leads to low flow when the polymer is processed in the mold.

Many attempts to improve the flow of various polymers have been carried out in the past including the use of additives such as zinc, calcium or magnesium stearate, which usually comes with issues such as fuming, delamination or plate- out during molding. Another approach is to use polymers featuring lower molecular weights, which unfortunately leads to dramatic losses in overall mechanical properties.

Therefore, there is still a need on the market for polymers and polymer compositions presenting all the nice attributes of high molecular weight polymers (including mechanical properties, chemical resistance, thermal resistance etc) such as polyamides, poly(aryl ether ketones), poly(aryl ether sulfones) and polycarbonates while also presenting lower viscosity, making them excellent candidates for the manufacture of thin parts, such as thin parts of mobile electronic devices.

The Applicant has found that the presence of certain specific end cappers on the chain ends of polymers dramatically improved their flow.

The use of end cappers is well known in the art of polymer synthesis.

Silanes, ionic and reactive end groups are notably used to modify the properties of various polymers. US 2012/0172521 describes for example the use of sulfonated aliphatic or aromatic compounds as end cappers to increase the glass transition temperature of certain aliphatic polyamides. Unfortunately, the presence of ionic end groups on polymer chain ends also increases the water absorption of the polymer and therefore alters certain mechanical properties of the polymers.

Other end cappers are commonly used to control the molecular weight of the polymers. US 2013/0165621 discloses notably long lists of mono-functional compounds with a terminal amino or carboxylic group.

The Applicant has recently discovered that the use of specific end cappers greatly improved the rheo logical properties and in particular reduced the viscosity of the polymers which leads to improved flow during the injection molding of those polymers.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates thus to a polymer (P) comprising :

- a plurality of recurring units (R.U.);

- at least two chain ends (E), being the same or different, and different from recurring units (R.U.);

wherein the polymer (P) is represented by the general formula (i) :

E-[R.U.]_n-E (i) where n is the number of recurring units (R.U.) in the polymer;

wherein :

- n is of at least 30 ;

- the at least two chain ends (E) have the same or different chemical formulas having a molecular weight of at least 200 g/mol and at most 600 g/mol,

- the at least two chain ends (E) comprise at least one aromatic moiety, and

- the at least two chain ends (E) are free from any reactive group.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer (P) is a polyamide comprising : - a plurality of recurring units (R_PA); - at least two chain ends (E), being the same or different, and different from recurring units (R_PA);

wherein :

- the polyamide has an inherent viscosity measured in phenol- 1 , 1 ,2,2- tetrachloroethane (60/40) at 30°C of at least 0.40 dl/g

- the at least two chain ends (E) comprise at least one aromatic moiety, and

- the at least two chain ends (E) are free from any reactive group.

In another preferred embodiment, the polymer (P) is a poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprising :

- a plurality of recurring units (Rps);

- at least two chain ends (E), being the same or different, and different from recurring units (Rps);

wherein :

- the poly(aryl ether sulfone) has an inherent viscosity measured in N-Methyl- 2-pyrrolidone at 25°C of at least 0.10 dl/g

- the at least two chain ends (E) have the same or different chemical formulas having a molecular weight of at least 200 g/mol and at most 600 g/mol, - the at least two chain ends (E) comprise at least one aromatic moiety, and

- the at least two chain ends (E) are free from any reactive group.

In a second aspect, the present invention discloses a method for the manufacture of the polymer (P).

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a polymer

composition (C) comprising said polymer (P) and at least another ingredient.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of the polymer composition (C).

In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to an article comprising the above mentioned polymer (P) or polymer composition (C), and in particular to a part of a mobile electronic devices comprising the same.

In a sixth aspect, the invention also pertains to a method for the manufacture of the above part of said mobile electronic device including the step of molding the above mentioned polymer (P) or polymer composition (C).

Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for improving the rheo logical properties of a polymer (P*) including the step of end-capping said polymer (P*) with an compound (E*) having a molecular weight of at least 201 g/mol to obtain said polymer (P).

Detailed Description of the Invention

The polymer (P)

The polymer (P) according to the present invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyamides, poly(aryl ether ketones), polyesters, poly(aryl ether sulfones), polyetherimides, polycarbonates and polyarylene sulfides.

The polymer (P) comprises a plurality of recurring units (R.U.) and at least two chain ends (E), being different from recurring units (R.U.), represented by the above disclosed general formula (I).

The number of recurring units n is of at least 30, preferably at least 35, more preferably at least 40, still more preferably at least 45 and most preferably of at least 50.

The number n is also preferably of at most 300 more preferably of at most 290, still more preferably of at most 280 and most preferably of at most 270.

Excellent results were obtained when the polymer (P) had a number of recurring units n ranging from 60-250. When the number of recurring units n was below 30, the mechanical properties of the polymer (P) were not at an acceptable level and therefore avoided.

The number of recurring units n can be determined by various techniques known in the art, including end group titration, NMR analysis and gel- permeation chromatography (GPC).

The molecular weight of the chain ends (E) may be measured by any method known in the art. In particular, mass spectrometry and/or NMR analysis may be used to perform this analysis. If the latter analysis is performed, the molecular weight is calculated from its chemical formula once determined by NMR analysis.

The chain ends (E) may be introduced by end-capping a polymer (P*) represented by the general formula (i*) :

[R.U.]_n (i*) with at least one compound (E*) comprising one reactive group. The

polymer (P*) may be obtained by any method known in the art. The one skilled in the art will recognize that various ways are available in the art to react the at least one compound (E*) with the polymer (P*), commonly known in the art as end-capping. Typically, the compound (E*) may be added to the reaction medium after the polymer (P*) has reached a specific molecular weight. The presence of chain ends (E) efficiently terminates the polymerization reaction.

The molecular weight of the chain ends (E) is preferably of at least 200, more preferably of at least 201, still more preferably of at least 210 g/mol and even more preferably of at least 220 g/mol.

The molecular weight of the chain ends (E) is preferably of at most 500, more preferably of at most 400, still more preferably of at most 300 g/mol.

The molecular weight of the compound (E*) is preferably of at least 201, more preferably of at least 202, still more preferably of at least 211 g/mol and even more preferably of at least 221 g/mol.

The molecular weight of the compound (E*) is preferably of at most 500, more preferably of at most 400, still more preferably of at most 300 g/mol.

The compound (E*) and the chain ends (E) preferably comprise at least one aromatic moiety. By aromatic moiety is meant that at least one benzene and/or naphthalene ring is present in the chemical formula of the compound (E*) or the chain ends (E). Other aromatic moieties such as anthracene and pyrene rings may be present in compound (E*) or the chain ends (E). The

compound (E*) or chain ends (E) preferably contain aromatic and aliphatic moieties. Their chemical formulas consist preferably of atoms selected from the group consisting of C, H, O and N and are preferably free from S, Si, F, CI, Br, P, Na, K and Li atoms.

The compound (E*) is a compound comprising advantageously only one reactive group. A reactive group is defined for the scope of the present invention, as any functional group capable of reacting with the monomers used to make the polymer (P*) or the recurring units (R.U.) of polymer (P*) or the chain ends of polymer (P*). In particular, one may mention functional groups selected from the group consisting of alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, carboxylic halides, isocyanates, carbamides, carboxylic esters, carbodiimides, silanes, sulfonic acids, thiols, nitriles, halogens, epoxides, C≡C bonds and non-aromatic C=C bonds.

The compound (E*) and the chain ends (E) are advantageously free from any ionic moiety.

Once the reactive group of compound (E*) has reacted with the polymer (P*) to form the polymer (P), the at least two chain ends (E) of the polymer (P) are free from any of the above mentioned reactive groups. The compound (E*) is preferably selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthoxy acetic acid, 2-naphthoxy acetic acid, p-hexyloxy benzoic acid, m-hexyloxy benzoic acid, p-heptyloxy benzoic acid, m-heptyloxy benzoic acid, p-octyloxy benzoic acid, m-octyloxy benzoic acid, p-nonyloxy benzoic acid, m-nonyloxy benzoic acid, p-decyloxy benzoic acid, m-decyloxy benzoic acid, p-dodecyloxy benzoic acid, m-dodecyloxy benzoic acid, decylphenol, dodecylphenol, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, it is selected from the group consisting of p-dodecylphenol, 2-naphthoxy acetic acid, p-hexyloxy benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The polymer (P) has advantageously a number average molecular mass (M_n) of at least 7000, preferably at least 8000, more preferably at least 9000, still more preferably at least 10000 g/mol. The expression "number average molecular mass (M_n)" is hereby used according to it usual meaning and mathematically expressed as :

wherein Mi is the discrete value for the molecular weight of a polymer molecule, Nj is the number of polymer molecules with molecular weight Mi, then the weight of all polymer molecules is∑ MiNi and the total number of polymer molecules is∑ N;.

M_n and n values can be suitably determined by gel-permeation

chromatography (GPC), calibrated with polystyrene standards, according to ordinary skills in the art.

For the determination of the number average molecular weight (M_n) by GPC, the polymer (P) is generally dissolved in a solvent suitable for GPC providing hereby a polymer solution which can be injected into conventional GPC equipment.

The dissolving of the polymer (P) of the present invention is

advantageously carried out at a temperature from 20 to 250°C. In certain cases, the polymer (P) may be dissolved at a temperature from 20 to 50°C, while in other cases higher temperatures may be necessary, such as temperatures ranging from l00 to 220°C.

The GPC measurements are in general carried out at a pump flow rate from 0.3 to 0.9 ml/min, preferably from 0.5 to 0.7ml/min. Good results were obtained when the flow rate was about 0.5 ml/min. M_n can also be suitably determined by static light scattering of solutions of the polymer (P) in a suitable solvent by means of a Fica 50 scattered light instrument from ARL.

Other molecular parameters which can be notably determined by GPC are the weight average molecular weight (M_w) :

wherein Mi is the discrete value for the molecular weight of a polymer molecule, Nj is the number of polymer molecules with molecular weight Mi, then the weight of polymer molecules having a molecular weight Mi is MjN;.

The polymer (P) has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at least 10000, preferably at least 12000, more preferably at least 14000, still more preferably at least 15000 g/mol.

The polymer (P) of the present invention has advantageously a

polydispersity index (PDI) of more than 1.0, preferably more than 1.5, and less than 3.5, and more preferably less than 2.5. For the purpose of the present invention, the polydispersity index (PDI) is hereby expressed as the ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn).

In addition, some other analytical methods can be used as an indirect method for the determination of molecular weight of the polymer (P) including notably viscosity measurements.

The polymer (P) may be amorphous or semi-crystalline. When it has a melting point, it is of advantageously at least 250°C, preferably at least 260°C, more preferably at least 270°C and most preferably at least 280°C, as measured by DSC according to ISO- 11357-3. Besides, its melting point is advantageously of at most 350°C, preferably at most 340°C, more preferably at most 330°C and most preferably at most 320°C. Excellent results were obtained with a polymer (P) having a melting point ranging from 280°C to 340°C.

In a different aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of the polymer (P), including the step of end-capping a

polymer (P*), different from said polymer (P) with a compound (E*) having a molecular weight of at least 201 g/mol to obtain said polymer (P).

The poly(aryl ether sulfones)

For the purpose of the present invention, the expressions "poly(aryl ether sulfone)" and "(PAES) polymer" are intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rps) of one or more formulae containing at least one arylene group, at least one ether group (-0-) and at least one sulfone group [-S(=0)₂-].

In the poly(aryl ether sulfone) as above detailed preferably more than 60 %, more preferably more than 80 %, still more preferably more than 90 % moles of the recurring units are recurring units (Rps), as above detailed. Still, it is generally preferred that substantially all recurring units of the poly(aryl ether sulfone) are recurring units (Rps), as above detailed

The arylene group of the poly(aryl ether sulfone) may be aromatic radicals comprising from 6 to 36 carbon atoms, which are optionally substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, nitro, cyano, alkoxy, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium.

The recurring units (Rps) are advantageously recurring units of formula (A) as shown below :

-Ar¹-(T'-Ar²)_n-0-Ar³-S0₂-[Ar⁴-(T-Ar²)_n-S0₂]_m-Ar⁵-0- (A) wherein :

- Ar¹, Ar², Ar³, Ar⁴, and Ar⁵, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, are independently an aromatic mono- or polynuclear group ;

- T and T', equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is independently a bond or a divalent group optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatom ;

- n and m, equal to or different from each other, are independently zero or an integer of 1 to 5 ;

Preferably, Ar¹, Ar², Ar³, Ar⁴ and Ar⁵ are equal or different from each other and are aromatic moieties preferably selected from the group consisting of those complying with following formulae :

wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of :

hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium and j, k and 1 equal or different from each other, are independently 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4.

Ar² may further be selected from the group consisting of fused benzenic rings such as naphthylenes (and in particular 2,6-naphthylene), anthrylenes (and in particular 2,6-anthrylene) and phenanthrylenes (and in particular

2,7-phenanthrylene), naphthacenylenes and pyrenylenes groups ; an aromatic carbocyclic system comprising from 5 to 24 atoms, at least one of which is a heteroatom, such as pyridines, benzimidazoles, quinolines, etc. The hetero atom is often chosen from B, N, O, Si, P and S. It is more often chosen from N, O and S.

Preferably, T and T', equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group consisting of a bond, -CH₂- ; -O- ; -S0₂- ; -S- ; -C(O)- ;

-C(CH₃)₂- ; -C(CF₃)₂- ; -C(=CC1₂)- ; -C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂COOH)- ; -N=N- ;

-R^aC=CR^b- ; where each R^a and R^b ; independently of one another, is a hydrogen or a Ci-Ci₂-alkyl, Ci-Ci₂-alkoxy, or C₆-Ci8-aryl group ; -(CH₂)_n- and -(CF₂)_n- with n = integer from 1 to 6, or an aliphatic divalent group, linear or branched, of up to 6 carbon atoms ; and mixtures thereof.

Recurring units (Rps) can be notably selected from the group consisting of those of formulae (B) to (E) herein below :

wherein :

- each of R', equal to or different from each other, is selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium ;

- j' is zero or is an integer from 0 to 4 ;

- T and T', equal to or different from each other, is selected from the group consisting of a bond, -CH₂- ; -O- ; -S0₂- ; -S- ; -C(O)- ; -C(CH₃)₂- ;

-C(CF₃)₂- ; -C(=CC1₂)- ; -C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂COOH)- ; -N=N- ; -R^aC=CR^b- ; where each R^a and R^b ; independently of one another, is a hydrogen or a Ci-Ci₂-alkyl, Ci-Ci₂-alkoxy, or C₆-Ci8-aryl group ; -(CH₂)_n- and -(CF₂)_n- with n = integer from 1 to 6, or an aliphatic divalent group, linear or branched, of up to 6 carbon atoms ; and mixtures thereof.

As will be detailed later on, the (PAES) polymer may be a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone), such as a polyphenylsulfone which is especially preferred.

Alternatively, the (PAES) polymer may be a polyethersulfone, a

polyetherethersulfone or a bisphenol A polysulfone.

For the purpose of the present invention, a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rps_a) of one or more formulae containing at least one ether group (-0-), at least one sulfone group [-S(=0)₂ -] and at least two groups (G*) chosen from phenylene, naphthylenes (such as 2,6-naphthylene), anthrylenes (such as 2,6-anthrylene) and phenanthrylenes (such as

2,7-phenanthrylene), naphthacenylenes and pyrenylenes, each of said

groups (G*) being joined to at least one group (G*) different from itself, directly by at least one single bond and, optionally in addition, by at most one methylene group. Accordingly, groups (G*) may thus be joined together to form notably biphenylene groups such as p-biphenylene, l,2'-binaphthylene groups, triphenylene groups such as p-triphenylene and fluorenylene groups (i.e. divalent groups derived from fluorene). The recurring units (Rpsa) are advantageously recurring units of

formula (A), as defined above, with the proviso that at least one Ar¹ through Ar⁵ is an aromatic moiety preferably selected from the group consisting of those complying with following formulae :

wherein R is independently selected from the group consisting of :

hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium and k and 1 equal or different from each other, are independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

The definitions and preferences described above for T, T', Ar¹, Ar², Ar³, Ar⁴, Ar⁵, n and m equally apply here.

More preferably, recurring units (Rpsa) are chosen from

and mixtures thereof.

For the purpose of the present invention, a polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rpsa) of formula (F).

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) are recurring units (Rpsa).

RADEL^® PPSU and DURADEX^® D-3000 PPSU from Solvay Specialty

Polymers USA, L.L.C. are examples of polyphenylsulfone homopolymers.

Poly(biphenyl ether sulfone)s can be prepared by known methods.

Methods well known in the art are those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,634,355 ; 4,008,203 ; 4,108,837 and 4,175,175, the whole contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

For the purpose of the present invention, a polyethersulfone (PESU) is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rpsb) of formula (I) :

(I)

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the polyethersulfone are recurring units (Rpsb) of formula (I). Most preferably all the recurring units of the polyethersulfone are recurring units (Rpsb) of formula (I).

Polyethersulfone can be prepared by known methods and is notably available as VERADEL^® PESU from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, L.L.C.

For the purpose of the present invention, a polyetherethersulfone is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rps_c) of formula (J) :

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units (Rps_c) of the polyetherethersulfone are recurring units of formula (J). Most preferably all the recurring units of the polyetherethersulfone are recurring units (Rpsc) of formula (J).

For the purpose of the present invention, a bisphenol A polysulfone (PSU) is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (Rpsd) of formula (K) :

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the bisphenol A polysulfone are recurring units (Rpsd) of formula (K). Most preferably all the recurring units of the bisphenol A polysulfone are recurring units (Rpsd) of formula (K).

The bisphenol A polysulfones are notably available as UDEL^® PSU from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, L.L.C. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the PAES polymer is selected among poly(biphenyl ether sulfone)s as detailed above, more preferably from the group consisting of PSU, PESU and PPSU and is most preferably a PPSU.

The (PAES) polymer of the invention has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at least 8 000, preferably at least 10 000, more preferably of at least 12 000. The (PAES) polymer of the invention also has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at most 35 000, preferably at most 30 000, more preferably of at most 25 000.

For the determination of the M_n and n values by GPC of a poly(aryl ether sulfone) such as PSU, PESU and PPSU, the resins are dissolved into methylene chloride.

The (PAES) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at least 20000, preferably at least 25000, more preferably at least 30000, still more preferably at least 35000 g/mol. Also, the (PAES) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at most 100000, preferably at most 95000, more preferably at most 90000, still more preferably at most 85000 g/mol.

The (PAES) polymer of the invention has advantageously an inherent viscosity in N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone at 25°C of at least 0.10, preferably at least 0.20, more preferably of at least 0.25 dl/g. It also has advantageously an inherent viscosity in DMF at 25°C of at most 0.70, preferably at most 0.60, more preferably of at most 0.50 dl/g.

In the (PAES) of the present invention, the at least two chain ends (E) are free from functional groups selected from the group consisting of alcohols and halogens.

The poly(aryl ether ketones)

For the purpose of the invention, the expressions "poly(aryl ether ketone)" and "(PAEK) polymer" are intended to denote any polymer, comprising recurring units, more than 50 % moles of said recurring units are recurring units (R_PAEK) comprising a Ar-C(0)-Ar' group, with Ar and Ar', equal to or different from each other, being aromatic groups. The recurring units (R_PAEK) are generally selected from the group consisting of formulae (J- A) to (J-O), herein below :

wherein :

- j' is zero or is an integer from 0 to 4.

In recurring unit (R_PAEK), the respective phenylene moieties may independently have 1,2-, 1,4- or 1,3 -linkages to the other moieties different from R' in the recurring unit. Preferably, said phenylene moieties have 1,3- or 1,4- linkages, more preferably they have 1,4-linkage. Still, in recurring units (R_PAEK), j' is preferably at each occurrence zero, that is to say that the phenylene moieties have no other substituents than those enabling linkage in the main chain of the polymer.

Preferred recurring units (R_PAEK) are thus selected from those of formulae (J'-A) to (J'-O) herein below :

Still more preferably, (R_PAEK) are chosen from :

In the (PAEK) polymer, as detailed above, preferably more than 60 wt. %, more preferably more than 80 wt. %, still more preferably more than 90 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R_PAEK), as above detailed.

The (PAEK) polymer may be notably a homopolymer, a random, alternate or block copolymer. When the (PAEK) polymer is a copolymer, it may notably contain (i) recurring units (R_PAEK) of at least two different formulae chosen from formulae (J- A) to (J-O), or (ii) recurring units (R_PAEK) of one or more formulae (J- A) to (J-O) and recurring units (R*_PAEK) different from recurring units (RPAEK).

As will be detailed later on, the (PAEK) polymer may be a

polyetheretherketone polymer [(PEEK) polymer, herein after]. Alternatively, the (PAEK) polymer may be a polyetherketoneketone polymer [(PEKK) polymer, herein after], polyetherketone polymer [(PEK) polymer, hereinafter] or a polyetheretherketone-polyetherketoneketone polymer [(PEEK- PEK) polymer, herein after].

For the purpose of the present invention, the term "(PEEK) polymer" is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R_PAEK) of formula J'-A.

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the (PEEK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-A. Most preferably all the recurring units of the (PEEK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-A.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term "(PEKK) polymer" is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R_PAEK) of formula J'-B. Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the (PEKK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-B. Most preferably all the recurring units of the (PEKK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-B.

For the purpose of the present invention, the term "(PEK) polymer" is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R_PAEK) of formula J'-C.

Preferably more than 75 wt. %, preferably more than 85 wt. %, preferably more than 95 wt. %, preferably more than 99 wt. % of the recurring units of the (PEK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-C. Most preferably all the recurring units of the (PEK) polymer are recurring units of formula J'-C.

The (PAEK) polymer can be prepared by any method known in the art for the manufacture of poly(aryl ether ketone)s.

Non limitative examples of commercially available (PAEK) polymers suitable for the invention include the KET ASPIRE^® polyetheretherketone commercially available from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC.

The (PAEK) polymer of the invention has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at least 13 000, preferably at least 14 000, more preferably of at least 16 000. Also, the (PAEK) polymer of the invention has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at most 35 000, preferably at most 30 000, more preferably of at most 30 000.

For the determination of the M_n and n values by GPC of a (PAEK) polymer such as PEEK, mixtures of dichlorobenzene and phenol at 120 C are suitably used as eluent.

The (PAEK) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at least 20000, preferably at least 25000, more preferably at least 30000, still more preferably at least 35000 g/mol. Also, the (PAEK) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at most 80000, preferably at most 70000, more preferably at most 60000, still more preferably at most 50000 g/mol.

The (PAEK) polymer of the invention has advantageously an inherent viscosity in concentrated sulphuric acid (96 %) at 25°C of at least 0.30, preferably at least 0.35, more preferably of at least 0.40 dl/g. It also has advantageously an inherent viscosity in concentrated sulphuric acid (96 %) at 25°C of at most 1.20, preferably at most 1.10, more preferably of at most 1.0 dl/g. In the (PAEK) polymer of the present invention, the at least two chain ends (E) are free from functional groups selected from the group consisting of alcohols and halogens.

The polyamides

The expression "polyamide" or "(PA) polymer" are intended to denote any polymer which comprises recurring units (R_PA) which are derived from the polycondensation of at least one dicarboxylic acid component (or derivative thereof) and at least one diamine component, and/or from the polycondensation of aminocarboxylic acids and/or lactams.

The expression 'derivative thereof when used in combination with the expression 'carboxylic acid' is intended to denote whichever derivative which is susceptible of reacting in polycondensation conditions to yield an amide bond. Examples of amide-forming derivatives include a mono- or di-alkyl ester, such as a mono- or di-methyl, ethyl or propyl ester, of such carboxylic acid; a mono- or di-aryl ester thereof; a mono- or di-acid halide thereof; and a mono-or di-acid amide thereof, a mono- or di-carboxylate salt.

In certain preferred embodiment, the polyamide comprises at

least 50 mol %, preferably at least 60 mol %, more preferably at least 70 mol %, still more preferably at least 80 mol % and most preferably at least 90 mol % of recurring units (R_PA). Excellent results were obtained when the polyamide consisted of recurring units (R_PA).

The polyamide may either be an amorphous polymer having a Tg of at least 150°C or a semi-crystalline polymers having a Tm of at least 250°C.

The nature and quantities of the dicarboxylic acid component, the diamine component, and/or the aminocarboxylic acids and/or lactams has a great impact on the amorphous or semi-crystalline behaviour of the overall polyamide.

The polyamide is preferably an aromatic polyamide polymer. For the purpose of the present invention, the expression "aromatic polyamide polymer" is intended to denote a polyamide which comprises more than 35 mol %, preferably more than 45 mol %, more preferably more than 55 mol %, still more preferably more than 65 mol % and most preferably more than 75 mol % of recurring units (R_PA) which are aromatic recurring units. For the purpose of the present invention, the expression "aromatic recurring unit" is intended to denote any recurring unit that comprises at least one aromatic group. The aromatic recurring units may be formed by the polycondensation of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid with an aliphatic diamine or by the polycondensation of at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid with an aromatic diamine, or by the

polycondensation of aromatic aminocarboxylic acids. For the purpose of the present invention, a dicarboxylic acid or a diamine is considered as "aromatic" when it comprises one or more than one aromatic group.

Non limitative examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids are notably phthalic acids, including isophthalic acid (IA), terephthalic acid (TA) and orthophthalic acid (OA), 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)propane, bis(4-carboxyphenyl)methane, 2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)ketone, 4,4'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)sulfone,

2,2-bis(3-carboxyphenyl)propane, bis(3-carboxyphenyl)methane,

2,2-bis(3-carboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(3-carboxyphenyl)ketone, bis(3-carboxyphenoxy)benzene, the 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid,

2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 1 ,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid,

2, 3 -naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 1,8 -naphthalene dicarboxylic acid,

1 ,2-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid.

Among aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, mention can be notably made of oxalic acid [HOOC-COOH, malonic acid (HOOC-CH₂-COOH), adipic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₄-COOH], succinic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₂-COOH], glutaric acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₃-COOH], 2,2-dimethyl-glutaric acid

[HOOC-C(CH₃)₂-(CH₂)₂-COOH], 2,4,4-trimethyl-adipic acid

[HOOC-CH(CH₃)-CH₂-C(CH₃)₂- CH₂-COOH], pimelic acid

[HOOC-(CH₂)₅_COOH], suberic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₆-COOH], azelaic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₇-COOH], sebacic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₈-COOH], undecanedioic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)₉-COOH], dodecanedioic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)i₀-COOH], tetradecanedioic acid [HOOC-(CH₂)n-COOH], cis- and/or trans-cyclohexane- 1 ,4-dicarboxylic acid and/or cis- and/or trans-cyclohexane-l,3-dicarboxylic acid (CHDA).

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dicarboxylic acid is preferably aromatic. The polyamide is preferably a polyphthalamide, i.e. a polyamide comprising more than 50 mol % of recurring units formed by the polycondensation of at least one phthalic acid selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid (I A), and terephthalic acid (TA).

Isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid can be used alone or in combination. The phthalic acid is preferably terephthalic acid, optionally in combination with isophthalic acid. Non limitative examples of aliphatic diamines are typically aliphatic alkylene diamines having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, which are advantageously selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-diaminoethane, 1 ,2-diaminopropane, propylene- 1,3-diamine, 1,3-diamino butane, 1 ,4-diamino butane,

1,5-diaminopentane, l,4-diamino-l,l-dimethylbutane, 1 ,4-diamino- 1- ethylbutane, 1 ,4-diamino- 1 ,2-dimethylbutane, 1 ,4-diamino- 1 ,3-dimethylbutane, 1 ,4-diamino- 1 ,4-dimethylbutane, 1 ,4-diamino-2,3-dimethylbutane, 1 ,2-diamino- 1-butylethane, 1,6-diaminohexane, 1,7-diamino heptane, 1,8-diamino-octane, 1 ,6-diamino-2,5-dimethylhexane, 1 ,6-diamino-2,4-dimethylhexane, 1 ,6-diamino- 3,3-dimethylhexane, l,6-diamino-2,2-dimethylhexane, 1 ,9-diaminononane,

1.6- diamino-2,2,4-trimethylhexane, 1 ,6-diamino-2,4,4-trimethylhexane,

1.7- diamino-2,3-dimethylheptane, 1 ,7-diamino-2,4-dimethylheptane,

1 ,7-diamino-2,5-dimethylheptane, 1 ,7-diamino-2,2-dimethylheptane,

1.10- diaminodecane, 1 ,8-diamino- 1 ,3-dimethyloctane, 1 ,8-diamino- 1 ,4- dimethyloctane, l,8-diamino-2,4-dimethyloctane, l,8-diamino-3,4- dimethyloctane, 1 ,8-diamino-4,5-dimethyloctane, 1 ,8-diamino-2,2- dimethyloctane, 1 ,8-diamino-3,3-dimethyloctane, 1 ,8-diamino-4,4- dimethyloctane, 1 ,6-diamino-2,4-diethylhexane, 1 ,9-diamino-5-methylnonane,

1.11- diaminoundecane and 1,12-diaminododecane.

Also, the aliphatic diamine may be chosen from cycloaliphatic diamines such as isophorone diamine (also known as 5-amino-(l-aminomethyl)-l,3,3- trimethylcyclohexane), 1 ,3-cyclohexanebis(methylamine) (1 ,3-BAMC), 1 ,4-cyclohexanebis(methylamine) (1 ,4-BAMC),

4,4-diaminodicyclohexylmethane (PACM), and bis(4-amino-3- methylcyclohexyl)methane.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aliphatic diamine is preferably selected from the group consisting of 1,6-diaminohexane (also known as hexamethylene diamine), 1,9-diaminononane,

1,10-diaminodecane, 1,11-diaminoundecane and 1,12-diaminododecane.

Among aromatic diamines, mention can be notably made of meta- phenylene diamine (MPD), para-phenylene diamine (PPD),

3,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (3,4'-ODA), 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl

ether (4,4'-ODA), meta-xylylene diamine (MXDA), and para-xylylene diamine (PXDA).

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aromatic diamine is preferably MXDA, MPD or PPD. In addition, aromatic aminocarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof may also be used for the manufacture of the polyamide, which is generally selected from the group consisting of 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid and 4-aminobenzoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, l-aza-2-cyclononanone, l-aza-2-cyclododecanone, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, 12-aminododecanoic acid, 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid, cis-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, trans-4- (aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, cis-4-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid and trans-4-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

Non limitative examples of polyamides are the polymers of phthalic acid, chosen among isophthalic acid (IA) and terephthalic acid (TA) and at least one aliphatic diamine such as 1,6-diaminohexane (notably commercially available as AMODEL^® polyphthalamides from Solvay Specialty Polymers U.S.A, L.L.C.), the polymer of terephthalic acid with 1 ,9-nonamethylene diamine, the polymer of terephthalic acid with 1,10-decamethylene diamine, the polymer of terephthalic acid with dodecamethylene diamine, the polymer of 1 , 11 -undecane diamine with terephthalic acid, the copolymer of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine, the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine; the copolymer of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine; the copolymer of terephthalic acid with decamethylene diamine and 11-aminoundecanoic acid, the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and 11-amino-undecanoic acid; the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and bis-l,4-aminomethylcyclohexane; the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and bis- 1,3- aminomethylcyclohexane; the copolymer of hexamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; the copolymer of hexamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid and sebacic acid; the copolymer of hexamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid and 1,12-diaminododecanoic acid; the copolymer of hexamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; the copolymer of decamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid and 4-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid; the copolymer of decamethylene diamine with terephthalic acid and 4-(aminomethyl)- cyclohexanecarboxylic acid; the polymer of decamethylene diamine with 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; the copolymer of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine; the copolymer of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine; the polymer of decamethylene diamine with

1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, the copolymer of hexamethylene diamine with 11-amino-undecanoic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and

2-methylpentamethylene diamine; the copolymer of terephthalic acid with decamethylene diamine and 2-methylpentamethylene diamine; the copolymer of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic with hexamethylene diamine and

2-methylpentamethylene diamine; the copolymer of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid with decamethylene diamine and 2-methylpentamethylene diamine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyamide is selected from the group consisting of the polymer of adipic acid with meta- xylylene diamine, the polymer of terephthalic acid with 1,9-nonamethylene diamine, the polymer of terephthalic acid with 1,10-decamethylene diamine, the copolymer of terephthalic acid and optionally isophthalic acid with

hexamethylene diamine, the copolymer of terephthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine and the copolymer of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid with hexamethylene diamine and decamethylene diamine.

For the determination of the M_n and n values by GPC of a polyamide such as polyphthalamides, hexafluoroisopropanol containing 0.05M sodium

trifluoroacetate is suitably used as eluent.

The (PA) polymer of the invention has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at least 5000, preferably at least 6000, more preferably of at least 7000. Also, the (PA) polymer of the invention has advantageously a number average molecular weight (M_n) of at most 15000, preferably at most 14000, more preferably of at most 13000.

The (PA) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at least 15000, preferably at least 18000, more preferably at least 20000, still more preferably at least 25000 g/mol. Also, the (PA) polymer has advantageously a weight average molecular mass (M_w) of at most 40000, preferably at most 30000, more preferably at most 32000, still more preferably at most 30000 g/mol.

The (PA) polymer of the invention has advantageously an inherent viscosity in phenol- 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (60/40) at 30 C of at least 0.40, preferably at least 0.50, more preferably of at least 0.60 dl/g. It also has advantageously an inherent viscosity in the same solvent at 30 C of at most 1.30, preferably at most 1.20, more preferably of at most 1.15 dl/g. In the (PA) polymer of the present invention, the at least two chain ends (E) are free from functional groups selected from the group consisting of amines, carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, carboxylic halides, carboxylic esters, and carbodiimides.

The polycarbonate

For the purpose of the present invention, a polycarbonate is intended to denote any polymer of which more than 50 mol. % of the recurring units (and preferably, essentially all - if not, all - the recurring units) are recurring units (Rpc) comprising at least one optionally substituted arylene group and at least one carbonate group (-0-C(=0)-0-). The polycarbonate may be a homopolymer or a copolymer, such as a polycarbonate-poly(ethylene

terephthalate) copolymer.

The polyarylene sulfide

Polyarylene sulfides are intended to denote any polymer, comprising recurring units, more than 50 % moles of said recurring units are recurring units (RPAS) comprising a Ar-S group, with Ar being an aromatic group. Unless otherwise specified the Ar group can be substituted or unsubstituted.

Additionally, unless otherwise specified the polyphenylene sulfide can include any isomeric relationship of the sulfide linkages in polymer; e.g. when the arylene group is a phenylene group the sulfide linkages can be ortho, meta, para, or combinations thereof.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyarylene sulfide comprises at least 60 % moles, preferably 70 % moles, more preferably 80 % moles of recurring units (RPAS), still more preferably, it contains no recurring unit other than recurring units (RPAS). Excellent results were obtained when the polyarylene sulfide contained no recurring unit other than recurring units (RPAS).

Preferably, recurring units (RPAS) are recurring units (p) of the following formula :

(P)

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least 50 % moles of the recurring units of the polyarylene sulfide polymer are recurring units (p). Preferably at least 60 % moles, more preferably at least 70 % moles, still more preferably at least 80 % moles and most preferably at least 90 % moles of the recurring units of polyarylene sulfide polymer are recurring units (p). Excellent results were obtained when the polyarylene sulfide polymer contained no recurring unit other than recurring units (p), such a polymer (polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) hereinafter) is notably available as Ryton^® PPS commercially available from by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP of The Woodlands, Texas.

Some examples of other suitable polyarylene sulfide polymers include poly(2,4-toluene sulfide), poly(4,4'-biphenylene sulfide), poly(para-phenylene sulfide), poly(ortho-phenylene sulfide), poly(meta-phenylene sulfide), poly(xylene sulfide), poly(ethylisopropylphenylene sulfide), poly(tetra- methylphenylene sulfide), poly(butylcyclohexylphenylene sulfide),

poly(hexyldodecylphenyfene sulfide), poly(octadecylphenyIene sulfide), poly(phenyphenylene), poly(tolylphenylene sulfide), poly(benzylphenylene sulfide), and poly[octyl-4-(3-methylcyclopentyl)phenylene sulfide.

Excellent results were obtained when the polyarylene sulfide polymer was polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

The polymer composition (C)

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a polymer

composition (C) comprising said polymer (P) and at least another ingredient. Useful ingredients in the polymer composition (C) are notably reinforcing fillers, flame retardants, lubricants, light stabilizers, mold release agents, nucleating agents, plasticizers, optical brighteners, impact modifiers, and other polymers than the polymer (P).

The reinforcing filler

The polymer composition (C) may thus comprise at least one reinforcing filler. Reinforcing fillers may be particulate or fibrous. They are preferably fibrous. More preferably, the reinforcing filler is selected from glass fibers, carbon fibers, synthetic polymeric fibers, aramid fibers, aluminum fibers, titanium fibers, magnesium fibers, boron carbide fibers, rock wool fibers, steel fibers, wollastonite, etc. Still more preferably, it is selected from glass fibers and wollastonite. Most preferably, the reinforcing filler is glass fibers. The term glass fibers include chopped of strand A-, E-, C-, D-, S- T- and R-glass fibers, as described in chapter 5.2.3, p. 43-48 of Additives for Plastics Handbook, 2nd ed., John Murphy. Glass fibers may have a round cross-section or an elliptic cross- section (also called flat fibers). The reinforcing filler is preferably present in an amount of at least 15, more preferably at least 20, still more preferably at least 25, most preferably at least 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C). The reinforcing filler is also preferably present in an amount of at most 59, more preferably at most 58, still more preferably at most 57, most preferably at most 55 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

Excellent results were obtained when the reinforcing filler was present in an amount of from 45 to 55 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

Other optional ingredients

The polymer composition (C) of the present invention may also comprise other optional ingredients such as a halogen free flame retardant. Halogen free flame retardants may thus also be present in the polymer composition (C) and are well known in the art. As halogen free flame retardants, the polymer

composition (C) may notably comprise at least one organophosphorous compound selected from the group consisting of phosphinic salts (phosphinates), diphosphinic salts (diphosphinates) and condensation products thereof.

Preferably, the organophosphorous compound is selected from the group consisting of phosphinic salt (phosphinate) of the formula (FR1), a diphosphinic salt (diphosphinate) of the formula (FR2) and condensation products thereof :

O

R₂ (FR1)

(FR2)

wherein : R_{l s} R₂ are identical or different and each of Ri and R₂ is a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group or an aryl group; R₃ is a linear or branched CI -CIO alkylene group, a C6-C10 arylene group, an alkyl-arylene group, or an aryl-alkylene group; M is selected from calcium ions, magnesium ions, aluminum ions, zinc ions, titanium ions, and combinations thereof; m is an integer of 2 or 3; n is an integer of 1 or 3; and x is an integer of 1 or 2.

Preferably, Ri and R₂ are independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and phenyl; R₃ is selected from methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, isopropylene, n-butylene, tert-butylene, n-pentylene, n-octylene, n-dodecylene, phenylene, naphthylene,

methylphenylene, ethylphenylene, tert-butylphenylene, methylnaphthylene, ethylnaphthylene, tert-butylnaphthylene, phenylmethylene, phenylethylene, phenylpropylene, and phenylbutylene; and M is selected from aluminum and zinc ions.

Phosphinates are preferred as organophosphorous compound. Suitable phosphinates have been described in US 6,365,071. Particularly preferred phosphinates are aluminum phosphinates, calcium phosphinates, and zinc phosphinates. Excellent results were obtained with aluminum phosphinates. Among aluminum phosphinates, aluminium ethylmethylphosphinate and aluminium diethylphosphinate and combinations thereof are preferred. Excellent results were in particular obtained when aluminium diethylphosphinate was used.

The polymer composition (C) of the present invention comprises advantageously from 0 to 20 wt. % of a halogen free flame retardant, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C). When present, the halogen free flame retardant is comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of preferably at least 1 wt. %, more preferably of at least 5 wt. %, still more preferably of at least 10 wt. % and most preferably of at least 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C). Besides, if present, the halogen free flame retardant is preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of at most 25 wt. %, more preferably of at most 23 wt. %, still more preferably of at most 20 wt. % and most preferably of at most 18 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

The polymer composition (C) may also comprise, in addition to the halogen free flame retardant, a flame retardant synergist (FRS-A), preferably phosphorus and/or nitrogen-containing synergists. Indeed, synergistic combinations of phosphinates with nitrogen-containing compounds, known to have more effective action than the phosphinates alone in many polymers (see e.g. US 6,365,071, US 6,207,736, US 6,509,401) are also in accordance with the invention. The flame retardant synergist (FRS-A) preferably comprise benzoguanamine, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, allantoin, glycoluril, melamine, melamine cyanurate, dicyandiamide, guanidine, carbodiimides, and condensation products thereof. The flame retardant synergist (FRS-A) preferably comprise condensation products of melamine. By way of example, condensation products of melamine are melem, melam, or melon, or compounds of this type with a higher condensation level, or else a mixture of the same, and, by way of example, may be prepared by the process described in US 5,985,960.

The polymer composition (C) may also comprise, in addition to the halogenated flame retardant system, a flame retardant synergist (FRS-B), different from the flame retardant synergist (FRS-A). The flame retardant synergist (FRS-B) may comprise antimony trioxide, antimony dioxide, sodium antimonate, iron oxide, zinc phosphate and/or a metal salt of boric acid or stannic acid, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of zinc, an alkali metal (metal of group I of the Periodic Table) and an alkaline earth metal (metal of group II of the Periodic Table). Suitable metal salts of stannic acid include, for example, zinc stannate, zinc hydroxystannate, magnesium stannate, sodium stannate and potassium stannate. Suitable metal salts of boric acid include, for example, zinc borate, calcium borate and magnesium borate. Of these metal salts, zinc borate and zinc stannate, and mixtures thereof are preferred. More preferably, polymer composition (C) comprises sodium antimonate and/or zinc borate.

When present, the flame retardant synergist (FRS-A) is preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of 0.1-10 wt. %, more preferably 0.5-8 wt. %, still more preferably 1-5 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

When present, the flame retardant synergist (FRS-B) is preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of 0.1-20 wt. %, more preferably 1-15 wt. %, still more preferably 5-10 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

The polymer composition (C) may also comprise other polymers than the above mentioned polymer (P) such as polyethylene glycol and PTFE.

The polymer composition (C) can further contain one or more impact modifiers. The impact modifiers can be reactive with the polymer (P) or can be non-reactive. In certain specific embodiment, the polymer composition (C) contains at least one reactive impact modifier and at least one non-reactive impact modifier.

Reactive impact modifiers that may be used include ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymers, ethylene-alkyl (meth)acrylate-glycidyl (meth)acrylate copolymers, and the like. An example of such reactive impact modifier is a random terpolymer of ethylene, methylacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate. Non-reactive impact modifiers that may be blended into the polymer composition (C) generally include various rubber materials, such as acrylic rubbers, ASA rubbers, diene rubbers, organosiloxane rubbers, EPDM rubbers, SBS or SEBS rubbers, ABS rubbers, NBS rubbers and the like. Particular examples of non-reactive impact modifiers include ethyl butylacrylate, ethyl (methyl)acrylate or 2 ethyl hexyl acrylate copolymers.

If present, the impact modifier is preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of at least 2 wt. %, more preferably at

least 4 wt. %, still more preferably at least 5 wt. %, and most preferably at least 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C). When present, the impact modifier is also preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of at most 20 wt. %, more preferably at most 15 wt. %, still more preferably at most 10 wt. %, and most preferably at most 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

The polymer composition (C) may optionally further contain up to about 3 wt. % of ultraviolet light stabilizers or UV blockers, based on the total weight of the polymer composition (C). Examples include triazoles and triazines, oxanilides, hydroxybenzophenones, benzoates, and a-cyanoacrylates. When present, the ultraviolet light stabilizers are preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, or preferably about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, or more preferably about 0.1 to

about 0.6 wt. %, of the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

The polymer composition (C) may also comprise other optional ingredients such as mold release agents, lubricants, nucleating agents, fillers, plasticizers, optical brighteners and other stabilizers, different from the ones described above.

In particular, the polymer composition (C) may comprise a nucleating agent. When present, the nucleating agent is preferably comprised in the polymer composition (C) in an amount of about 0.5 to about 3 wt. %, or more preferably of about 0.8 to about 1.2 wt. %, and most preferably of about 1 wt. %, of the total weight of the polymer composition (C).

The nucleating agent may be advantageously selected from the group consisting of talc, silica, talc, clay, alumina, mica, zirconia, tin oxide, tin indium oxide, antimony tin oxide, kaolin, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, zeolites, and the like. Excellent results were obtained when talc was used as nucleating agent. The present invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of the polymer composition (C). Any melt-mixing method may be used to combine the above mentioned ingredients to prepare the polymer composition (C). For example, the different ingredients may be added to a melt mixer, such as, for example, a single or twin-screw extruder, a blender or a Banbury mixer, either all at once through a single step addition, or in a stepwise fashion, and then melt- mixed. When adding the ingredients in a stepwise fashion, part of them are first added and melt-mixed with the remaining ingredients are subsequently added and further melt-mixed until a well-mixed composition is obtained.

In a different aspect, the present invention relates to an article comprising the above mentioned polymer (P) or polymer composition (C) and in particular to a part of an article used in an electric/electronic application.

In a preferred embodiment, the article according to the present invention is a part of a mobile electronic device. The term "mobile electronic device" is intended to denote an electronic device that is designed to be conveniently transported and used in various locations. Representative examples of mobile electronic devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, tablet computers, radios, cameras and camera accessories, watches, calculators, music players, global positioning system receivers, portable games, hard drives and other electronic storage devices, and the like.

The part of the mobile electronic device according to the present invention may be selected from a large list of articles such as fitting parts, snap fit parts, mutually moveable parts, functional elements, operating elements, tracking elements, adjustment elements, carrier elements, frame elements, switches, connectors and housings. In particular, the polymer composition (C) is very well suited for the production of housing parts of mobile electronic device.

Therefore, the part of the mobile electronic device according to the present invention is advantageously a mobile electronic device housing. By "mobile electronic device housing" is meant one or more of the back cover, front cover, antenna housing, and frame of a mobile electronic device. The housing may be a single article or comprise two or more components.

In a preferred embodiment, the mobile electronic device housing is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone housing, a tablet housing, a laptop computer housing and a tablet computer housing. Excellent results were obtained when the part of the mobile electronic device according to the present invention was a mobile phone housing. The part of the mobile electronic device according to the present invention is advantageously characterized by a thickness of a flat portion of said part being 0.9 mm or less, preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or less, still more preferably 0.6 mm or less and most preferably 0.5 mm or less on average. The term "on average" is herein intended to denote the average thickness of the part based on the measurement of its thickness on at least 3 points of at least one of its flat portions.

Further, the invention also pertains to a method for the manufacture of the above part of said mobile electronic device, including the step of molding the above mentioned polymer (P) or polymer composition (C). Such molding method is not specifically limited. The polymer composition (C) may be generally processed by injection molding, extrusion or other shaping

technologies. It preferably comprises the injection molding of the polymer (P) or polymer composition (C). Thus, the method for the manufacture of the above described part of a mobile electronic device includes preferably the step of injection molding and solidification of the polymer (P) or polymer

composition (C).

Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications which are incorporated herein by reference conflict with the description of the present application to the extent that it may render a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence.

The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which are intended to illustrate the working disclosure and not intended to take respectively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES

Comparative Examples CE1 and CE2 - preparation of an amorphous polyphthalamide (PPA) with acetic acid endcap

A stirred batch vessel was charged with 49.81 kg distilled water, a diamine component consisting of 40 kg of 1,10-diaminodecane and 23.66 kg of l,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane; and a dicarboxylic acid component consisting of 18.99 kg of terephthalic acid and 44.32 kg of isophthalic acid. The reactor was also charged with 35.5 g phosphorus acid and 697 g of glacial acetic acid. A salt solution was obtained by heating the above described mixture at 145°C. The content was pumped continuously to a reactor zone maintained at about 180 psig and 216°C, then to a zone maintained at about 298°C and 1800 psig, then through a tubular reactor at 100 psig and heated with oil at 349°C and finally into a vented Werner and Pfleiderer Corporation ZSK-30 twin-screw extruder equipped with a forward vacuum vent. The die temperature was set at 335°C. The finished polymer was extruded through a strand die into a water bath at a through-put rate of about 6 kg/hr and then chopped into pellets. Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table la.

Comparative Example CE3 - preparation of a PPA with 2-naphthoic acid end cap

The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE1 was used here. The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 15.1 kg distilled water, a diamine component consisting of 11.99 kg of 1 , 10-diaminodecane and 7.095 kg of l,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, a dicarboxylic acid component consisting of 5.695 kg of terephthalic acid and 13.287 kg of isophthalic acid, 10.8 g of phosphorus acid, 599 g of 2-naphthoic acid. Test results from the

characterization of the pellets are shown in Table la.

Comparative Example CE4 - preparation of a semi-crystalline PPA with acetic acid end cap

A stirred batch vessel was charged with a diamine component consisting of 48,948 g of an aqueous solution of 1,6-hexanediamine containing 69.7 wt. % of said diamine and with a dicarboxylic acid component consistingof 32,154 g of terephthalic acid 13,780 g of isophthalic acid. The reactor was also charged with 94.2 g of sodium hypophosphite, 420 g of acetic acid and 19,864 g of distilled water. A salt solution was obtained by heating the above described mixture at 127°C. The contents were pumped continuously to a reactor zone maintained at about 165 psig and 221°C, then to a zone maintained at about 310°C and 1800 psig, then through a tubular reactor at 100 psig and 332°C and into a vented Werner and Pfleiderer Corporation ZSK-30 twin-screw extruder equipped with a forward vacuum vent. Die temperature was set at 325°C. The finished polymer was extruded through a strand die into a water bath at a through-put rate of about 5.5-6.5 kg/hr and then chopped into pellets. Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table lb.

Comparative Example CE5 - preparation of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) with monochlorobenzene endcap

To a clean 1L four-neck reactor kettle fitted with an anchor paddle mechanical stirrer, Dean-Stark trap, condenser, and nitrogen inlet, was added biphenol (75.22 g), 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (116.02 g), and potassium carbonate (58.63 g) and the reactor was evacuated and purged with nitrogen three times. A nitrogen blanket was applied to the reaction mixture with a steady stream of nitrogen. This was followed by the addition of sulfolane (373.76 g) and monochlorobenzene (MCB) (124.59 g). The reaction mixture was stirred with the overhead mechanical agitator and warmed using an oil bath controlled at the appropriate temperature. The bath temperature increased from 21 °C to the appropriate temperature over a period of 60 minutes to 210°C and held at the reaction temperature for a desired period of time. When the mixture became viscous and reached a relative viscosity (RV) of 0.58 the reaction was terminated and the reaction mixture cooled to 180°C and diluted with an additional solvent mixture of MCB(643.2g) and sulfolane (55g). The diluted hot polymer solution was filtered through a 2.7μιη glass fiber filter pad. The polymer solution was poured in to a Waring blender containing 1000 mL of deionized water. The resulting white porous solid was then isolated by filtration, and washed three times in the Waring blender with hot deionized water. The resulting porous, white fluffy polymer solid was dried in a vacuum oven overnight at 100°C. Test results from the characterization of the polymer are shown in Table lc.

Comparative Example CE6 - preparation of polyethersulfone (PESU) with monochlorobenzene endcap

To a clean 1L four-neck reactor kettle fitted with an anchor paddle mechanical stirrer, Dean-Stark trap, condenser, and nitrogen inlet, was added hydroquinone (11.12 g), 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone (75.81 g),

4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (116.02 g), and potassium carbonate (58.63 g) and the reactor was evacuated and purged with nitrogen three times. A nitrogen blanket was applied to the reaction mixture with a steady stream of nitrogen. This was followed by the addition of sulfolane (373.76 g) and MCB (124.59 g). The reaction mixture was stirred with the overhead mechanical agitator and warmed using an oil bath controlled at the appropriate temperature. The bath temperature increased from 21°C to the appropriate temperature over a period of 60 minutes to 215°C and held at the reaction temperature for a desired period of time. When the mixture became viscous and reached a relative viscosity (RV) of 0.58 the reaction was terminated and the reaction mixture cooled to 180°C and diluted with an additional solvent mixture of MCB (584 g) and

sulfolane (70.35 g). The diluted hot polymer solution was filtered through a 2.7 μιη glass fiber filter pad. The polymer solution was poured in to a Waring blender containing 1000 mL of deionized water. The resulting white porous solid was then isolated by filtration, and washed three times in the Waring blender with hot deionized water (~90°C). The resulting porous, white fluffy polymer solid was dried in a vacuum oven overnight at 100°C. Test results from the characterization of the polymer are shown in Table lc.

Example El - preparation of a PPA with 2-naphthoxy acetic acid end cap The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE1 was used here.

The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 20.86 kg distilled water, a diamine component consisting of 16.542 kg of 1,10-diaminodecane and 9.786 kg of l,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, a dicarboxylic acid component consisting of 7.855 kg of terephthalic acid and 18.327 kg of isophthalic acid, 14.9 g phosphorus acid and 971 g of 2-naphthoxy acetic acid. Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table la.

Example E2 - preparation of a PPA with p-hexyloxy benzoic acid end cap

The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE1 was used here. The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 15.676 kg distilled water, a diamine component consisting of 12.406 kg of 1,10-diaminodecane and 7.34 kg of l,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane; a dicarboxylic acid component consisting of 5.891 kg of terephthalic acid and 13.746 kg of isophthalic acid, 11.2 g phosphorus acid and 800 g of p-hexyloxy benzoic acid. Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table la.

Example E3 - preparation of a PPA with 2-naphthoxy acetic acid end cap The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE3 was used here. The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 20,799 g distilled water, a diamine component consisting of 50,347 g of 69.8 % aqueous solution of 1,6-hexanediamine, a dicarboxylic acid component consisting of 33,157 g of terephthalic acid and 14,210 g of isophthalic acid, 98 g of sodium

hypophosphite, 1,165 g of 2-naphthoxy acetic acid. Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table lb.

Example E4 - preparation of PPSU with p-dodecylphenol endcap

The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE4 was used here. The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 73.73 g biphenol,

116.02 g 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, 58.63 g potassium carbonate,

2.12 g p-dodecylphenol, mixture 1 : sulfolane (373.76 g) and MCB (124.59 g), mixture 2 : MCB (643.2 g) and sulfolane (55 g). Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table lc.

Example E5 - preparation of PESU with p-dodecylphenol end cap

The procedure used to obtain Comparative Example CE5 was used here. The ingredients and the amounts used are as follows : 11.12 g hydroquinone, 73.81 g 4,4'-dihydroxydihenylsulfone, 116.02 g 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, 58.63 g potassium carbonate, 2.12 g p-dodecylphenol, mixture 1 :

sulfolane (373.76 g) and MCB (124.59 g), mixture 2 : sulfolane (70.35 g) and MCB (584 g). Test results from the characterization of the pellets are shown in Table lc.

Measurement of inherent viscosity

Polyamide resins were dissolved in phenol- 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (P-TCE, 60/40) with heating at 100°C for 35 minutes. The solution inherent viscosity of these samples was measured using Y-500 series Viscotek

Viscometer equipped with autosampler and dispensing pump.

End groups measurement

- Determination of the concentration of carboxyl end groups :

0.3 g of each polyamide resin was dissolved in 6 mL o-cresol at about 100°C. Chloroform, 6 mL, and 50 aqueous formaldehyde (37 wt %) were added. The concentration of carboxyl end groups, expressed in μeq/g polymer, was determined by potentiometric titration of this solution

with 0.1 N KOH in methanol. Experimental data are summarized in Tables la and lb.

- Determination of the concentration of amine end groups :

0.4 g of each polyamide resin was dissolved in 15 mL

hexafluoroisopropanol at ambient temperature. 0.1 mL of water was added. The concentration of amino end groups, expressed in μeq/g polymer, was determined by potentiometric titration of this solution with 0.1 N HCL. Experimental data are summarized in Tables la and lb.

- Determination of the concentration of hydroxyl end groups :

The polysulfone resin sample was weighed and dissolved in

chlorobenzene: sulfolane (50:50), added with pyridine and then diluted with methylene chloride. The end groups were titrated with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide in toluene/methanol. The base/strong acid, sulfone, and phenolic hydroxyls present were classified quantitatively by spiking the sample/solvent with a known amount of hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and paracumylphenol. The titration was performed using a Metrohm Model E686 titrator equipped with a Dosimat, a 10 mL burette, and a combination pH electrode. - Determination of the concentration of chlorine end groups :

The polysulfone resin sample was weighed into a quartz boat and inserted into a heated combustion tube where the sample was burned in an oxygen stream. The combustion products were passed through concentrated sulfuric acid scrubbers then into a titration cell where hydrogen chloride from the combustion process was absorbed in 75 % v/v acetic acid. Chloride entering this cell was then titrated with silver ions generated coulometrically. Percent chlorine in the sample was calculated from the integrated current and the sample weight. The resulting percent chlorine value is converted to chlorine end group concentration in μeq/g .

Determination of endcap retention via ¹HNMR analysis :

Polyamide resins were dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (5 mg per mL). Peak from hydrogens in methyl/methylene groups adjacent to the carboxyl in acetic acid and 2-naphthoxyacetic acid and those from methylene group adjacent to oxygen in p-hexyloxybenzoic acid were used to calculate the retention of endcap.

Measurement of Glass Transition Temperature and Melting Point

The glass transition temperatures of the different neat were measured according to ASTM El 356 and melting point was measured according to ASTM D3418-2008 using a TA Instruments Model Q20/Q 1000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter and Liquid Nitrogen Cooling System operated with TA Thermal Advantage and Universal Analysis software. The instrument was calibrated using a heating and cooling rate of 20°C/min in nitrogen atmosphere. The measurements were also carried out using a heating and cooling rate of 20°C/min in nitrogen atmosphere.

Table la : Characterization of the neat amorphous PPA resins

Table lb : Characterization of the neat semi-crystalline PPA resins

(a) Mole percent of carboxylic acid groups coming from the monofunctional endcap as a fraction of total carboxylic acid functional groups present in the charge mixture. (b) Determined via 'HNMR analysis using a peak unique to the endcap.

Table lc : Characterization of the neat polysulfone resins

Compounding

The following commercially available materials were used to obtain 50 wt. % glass fiber-filled compositions of the resins prepared as described above :

Reinforcing fillers :

Glass fibers : CSG 3PA820 glass fibers available from Nittobo - non-circular cross section fibers.

Additive package :

Blend of an antioxidant (Irganox^® Bl 171 from BASF), UV and Light stabilizers (Tinuvin^® 234 from BASF and Chimassorb^® 944 LD from BASF) and a flow aid (calcium stearate from Nexeo Solutions).

General procedure for the preparation of the 50 wt. % glass filled compositions

The polyamide resins CE1, CE2, CE3, El, E2, E3, E4, and E5 described above were fed to the first barrel of a ZSK 26 twin screw extruder comprising 12 zones via a loss in weight feeder. The barrel settings were in the range of 280-330°C and the resins were melted before zone 5. The glass fibers were fed at zone 5 through a side stuffer via a loss in weight feeder. The screw rate ranged from 200-250 rpm. The extrudates were cooled and pelletized using conventional equipment to obtain the glass filled compositions of CE1, CE2, CE3, E1, E2, E3, E4 and E5. Measurement of flow properties

1. Multi-shear capillary rheometry

Multi-shear melt viscosity data were generated using LCR7000 capillary rheometer. Pellets samples were dried such that they had moisture contents of less than 1500 ppm.

2. Flow length

The flow length was measured using the so-called spiral flow test using a mold with a long spiral flow channel emanating from the center. Notches are typically etched along the flow path to help identify the length the polymer has flowed within the mold. The mold was filled using constant pressure and the behavior of the polymer was evaluated based on flow length. Flow length data of 50 wt. % glass fiber-filled compositions of CE1, CE2, CE3, El, and E2, are presented in Table 2a.

Mechanical properties tests

Using the obtained pellets of each resin composition, ISO tensile test pieces (10 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm) were molded on a conventional injection molding machine. All the test bodies were used in the dry state. For this purpose, the test bodies were stored after the injection molding for at least 48 h at room temperature in dry surroundings. The tensile properties of the materials were measured as per ISO 527 test procedure, while the notched and unnotched Izod impact strengths were measured as per ISO 180 test procedure.

Table 2a : Flow and mechanical properties of 50 wt. % glass fiber-filled amorphous

PPA compositions

Table 2b : Flow and mechanical properties of 50 wt. % glass fiber-filled semi- crystalline PPA compositions

Table 2c : Flow and mechanical properties of neat polysulfone resins

As it can be seen from the results presented in Tables 2a, 2b and 2c, the polymers compositions comprising the polymers according to the present invention present outstanding mechanical and rheological properties, due to the only presence of high molecular weight chain ends. In particular, one may underline the improved flow properties which is greatly appreciated during the processing of the polymer compositions.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A polymer (P) comprising :

- a plurality of recurring units (R.U.);

- at least two chain ends (E), being the same or different, and different from recurring units (R.U.); wherein the polymer (P) is represented by the general formula (i) :

E-[R.U.]_n-E (i) where n is the number of recurring units (R.U.) in the polymer; wherein : - n is of at least 30 ;

- the at least two chain ends (E) comprise at least one aromatic moiety, and

- the at least two chain ends (E) are free from any reactive group.

2. The polymer (P) according to claim 1, being selected from the group consisting of polyamides, poly(aryl ether ketones), polyesters, poly(aryl ether sulfones), polyetherimides, polycarbonates and polyarylene sulfides.

3. A polyamide comprising :

- a plurality of recurring units (R_PA); - at least two chain ends (E), being the same or different, and different from recurring units (R_PA); wherein :

- the polyamide has an inherent viscosity measured in phenol- 1 , 1 ,2,2- tetrachloroethane (60/40) at 30°C of at least 0.40 dl/g - the at least two chain ends (E) have the same or different chemical formulas having a molecular weight of at least 200 g/mol and at most 600 g/mol,

- the at least two chain ends (E) comprise at least one aromatic moiety, and

- the at least two chain ends (E) are free from any reactive group.

4. The polymer (P) according to claim 2, being a polyphthalamide.

5. The polymer (P) according to claim 2, being a poly(aryl ether ketone) selected from the group consisting of polyetherketone (PEK),

polyetherketoneketone (PEK ), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

6. The polymer (P) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the chain ends (E) are introduced by end-capping a polymer (P*) represented by the general formula (i*) :

[R.U.] In (i*) with at least one compound (E*) comprising one reactive group.

7. The polymer (P) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one compound (E*) is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthoxy acetic acid, 2- naphthoxy acetic acid, p-hexyloxy benzoic acid, m-hexyloxy benzoic acid, p-heptyloxy benzoic acid, m-heptyloxy benzoic acid, p-octyloxy benzoic acid, m-octyloxy benzoic acid, p-nonyloxy benzoic acid, m-nonyloxy benzoic acid, p-decyloxy benzoic acid, m-decyloxy benzoic acid, p-dodecyloxy benzoic acid, m-dodecyloxy benzoic acid, decylphenol, p-dodecylphenol, and mixtures thereof.

8. The polymer (P) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one compound (E*) is selected from the group consisting of p-dodecylphenol, 2-naphthoxy acetic acid and p-hexyloxy benzoic acid, and mixtures therof.

9. The polymer (P) according to claim 2, being a poly(aryl ether sulfone).

10. The polymer (P) according to claim 9, being selected from the group consisting of polysulfone (PSU), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyether sulfone (PESU).

11. A polymer composition (C) comprising the polymer (P) according to anyone of claims 1 or 2, and at least another ingredient.

12. An article comprising the polymer (P) according to anyone of claims 1 or 2 or the polymer composition (C) according to claim 10.

13. The article according to claim 12, being a part of a mobile electronic device.

14. A method for the manufacture of the article according to claim 13, including the step of processing the polymer (P) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 by a method selected from the group consisting of injection molding, blow molding, injection-blow molding, thermo forming, pultrusion, extrusion, and injection-compression molding.

15. A method for improving the rheo logical properties of a polymer (P*) including the step of end-capping said polymer (P*) with a compound (E*) comprising only one reactive group and having a molecular weight of at least 201 g/mol and at most 601 g/mol.