SOLVENTLESS PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF AMINE FUNCTIONAL POLYETHERIMIDE RESINS ΥΠΉ IMPROVED MELT FLOW

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Polyetherimides (PEI) are well known engineering thermoplastics that can be made by condensation polymerization. For example, see: ASTM: D5205 Standard Classification System for Polyetherimide Materials. Due to their high glass transition temperature (Tg) and relatively stiff backbones, polyetherimides can be difficult to melt process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various embodiments of the invention provide a combination of a primary aliphatic amine with an aryl polyimide in a melt, which provides aryl amine functionalized resins with improved flow. More specifically, it has been found that reaction of an aryl PEI with primary aliphatic amine by a melt process can give aryl amine functionalized resins with improved flow while at the same time

functionalizing the higher flow aryl polyimide with both alkyl imide and aryl amine functional end groups.

[0003] In one embodiment, our invention relates to a process comprising reacting a polyimide resin and an organic compound to produce an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality, wherein the polyimide resin has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 5,000 to 100,000 daltons, wherein the organic compound comprises at least one primary aliphatic amine, wherein the primary aliphatic amine does not have a direct linkage of a nitrogen to an aryl group, and wherein the primary aliphatic amine does not have a functionality selected from the group consisting of a halogen functionality, a hydroxyl functionality, a sulfonic acid functionality, a sulfonic acid salt functionality, and combinations thereof.

[0004] In another embodiment, our invention relates to a process for making a fiber where the above-mentioned process further involves continuously producing a fiber having a denier in a range of from greater than 0 to 10 denier at a rate of from 0.5 to 10 kg/hour. In another embodiment, our invention relates to a fiber made by the process. [0005] In another embodiment, our invention relates to fabrics made from the fibers made by our process.

[0006] In another embodiment, our invention relates to an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality.

[0007] In another embodiment, our invention relates to an article comprising an alkyl imide functionalized polyimide, further having an aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the primary aliphatic amine can be a primary aliphatic amine thermally stable at polyimide melt processing temperatures, above about 300°C. An exemplary amine is a C6-C20 alkyl amine, such as stearyl amine. The primary aliphatic amine can be combined in the melt with polyimide resins at from 0.01 to 5 wt. % of the mixture, or at from 0.1 to 1.0 wt. % of the mixture.

[0009] According to various embodiments, polyimide can be readily reacted with the primary aliphatic amine a melt reaction, such as extrusion, by combining the ingredients and melting and mixing in devices such as an extruder. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the primary aliphatic amine chemically combines with the polyimide to make a new resin that is end capped with the residue of the alkyl amine reacting through the primary amino functionality to produce an alkyl imide polymer end group. At the same time, this coverts the existing aryl imide group into an aryl amine functionality a shown in Equation 1 for the reaction of octadecyl amine (a example of a primary alkyl amine) with a polyetherimide derived from bisphenol A dianhydride and m-phenylene diamine.

Equation 1

[0010] The primary aliphatic amine can be introduced into a molten stream of polyimide resin, for instance, by feeding downstream from the primary feed throat of an extruder or the primary aliphatic amine can be fed into an extruder at the same time as the polyimide. In some instances the reaction can be accomplished in under a minute with no use of solvent.

[0011] Various embodiments relate to a process that includes thermally reacting a polyimide resin and a primary aliphatic amine organic compound to produce an alkyl imide and aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The unmodified (starting) polyimide resin can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 5,000 to 100,000 daltons. The organic compound can include at least one primary aliphatic amine without a direct linkage of a nitrogen to an aryl group and without a functionality selected from a halogen functionality, a hydroxyl functionality, a sulfonic acid functionality, a sulfonic acid salt functionality, and combinations thereof.

[0012] Other embodiments relate to aryl amine functionalized polyimides, having alkyl imide and aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality and articles produced therefrom.

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Our invention is based, in part, on the discovery that by using aryl amine/ aryl imide terminated polyimides, e.g., PEI, the use of such PEI exhibits, unexpectedly and remarkably, relatively higher flow and melt stability properties, as compared to a polyetherimide that is not aryl-amine and octadecyl imide terminated. Advantageously, the properties of our composition when used to make fibers, makes it possible to make fibers with a combination of useful properties and makes it possible to spin fibers having low denier features for extended periods of time.

[0015] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as well as to the examples included therein.

[0016] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0017] Various embodiments relate to a process comprising blending a polyimide resin and a primary aliphatic amine organic compound to produce an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality as well as containing alky imide end groups.

[0018] The blending can occur in an extruder operated at atmospheric pressure with no vacuum applied.

[0019] The blending can occur in an extruder operated at a rotational speed within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 ppm. For example, the blending can occur in an extruder operated at 50 to 500 rpm.

[0020] The blending and/or reaction can occur in the molten polyimide at a temperature within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390 and 400 degrees Celsius. A temperature that allows for melting or the polyetherimde while optimizing retention of the aliphatic primary amine in the extruder is preferred, for example, a melt reaction can occur at a temperature of from 300 to 370 degrees Celsius.

[0021] The extruder can be of any conventional type, for example either single or twin screw with any screw design. In a preferred embodiment the extruder is a co- rotating twin screw extruder that is run at atmospheric pressure with no external vacuum applied. In some instances the extruder will have a length to diameter (L/D) of from 5:1 to 50:1. In other instances the L/D will be from 20:1 to 40:1. In yet other instances the extruder screw diameter will vary from 0.5 to 8.0 inches. The extruder can be run at any conventional speed, for example from 50 to 400 revolutions per minute (rpm). The initial polyetherimide (PEI) can be fed to the extruder in any form, for example, pellets, cubes, flakes, chunks, powder or any mixture thereof. The primary alkyl amine may be mixed with the unmelted polyimide and the mixture fed into the throat of the extruder or the primary alkyl amine may be added down stream of the feed throat into a molten polyimide.

[0022] The blending and/or reaction can occur with little or no organic solvent in an amount within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range of organic solvent, if present, can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575, 600, 625, 650, 675, 700, 725, 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950, 975, and 1000 ppm. For example, the blending can occur in the presence of less than 500 ppm of an organic solvent.

[0023] The process can further comprise continuously producing a fiber having a denier within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, and 20 denier. The fiber can be produced at any rate, as long as the fiber has useful denier features. In one embodiment, the rate is within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 60, 80, 80, 100, 150 and 200 kg/hour. For example, the process can further comprise continuously producing a fiber having a denier in a range of from greater than 0 to 10 denier at a rate of from 0.5 or from 5 to 100 kg/hour. Various embodiments relate to a fiber made by such a process.

[0024] The polyimide can be selected from (i) polyetherimide homopolymers, e.g., polyetherimides, (ii) polyetherimide co-polymers, e.g., siloxane- polyetherimides, polyetherimide sulfones, and (iii) combinations thereof. Polyimides are known polymers and are sold by SABIC Innovative Plastics under the Ultem*, Extern*, and Siltem* brands (Trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.).

The polyetherimides are of formula (1):

wherein a is more than 1, for example 10 to 1,000 or more, or more specifically 10 to 500.

a. The group V in formula (1) is a tetravalent linker containing an ether group (a "polyetherimide" as used herein) or a combination of an ether groups and arylene sulfone groups (a "polyetherimide sulfone"). Such linkers include but are not limited to: (a) substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic monocyclic and polycyclic groups having 5 to 50 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with ether groups, arylene sulfone groups, or a combination of ether groups and arylene sulfone groups; and (b) substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with ether groups or a combination of ether groups, arylene sulfone groups, and arylene sulfone groups; or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Suitable additional substitutions include, but are not limited to, ethers, amides, esters, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. b. The R group in formula (1) includes but is not limited to substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic groups such as: (a) aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof; (b) straight or branched chain alkylene groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms; (c) cycloalkylene groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or (d) divalent groups of formula (2): (2),

[0025] wherein Q ¹ includes but is not limited to a divalent moiety such as -0-, -S-, -C(O)-, -S0 ₂ -, -SO-, -C _y H _2y - (y being an integer from 1 to 5), and halogenated derivatives thereof, including perfluoroalkylene groups.

c. In an embodiment, linkers V include but are not limited to tetravalent aromatic groups of formula

wherein W is a divalent moiety including -0-, -S0 ₂ -, or a group of the formula -O-Z- O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -O- or the -0-Z-O- group are in the 3,3', 3,4', 4,3', or the 4,4' positions, and wherein Z includes, but is not limited, to divalent groups of formulas (4):

(4), wherein Q includes, but is not limited to a divalent moiety including -0-, -S-, -C(O)-, -SO ₂ -, -SO-, -C _y H _2y - (y being an integer from 1 to 5), and halogenated derivatives thereof, including perfluoroalkylene groups.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, the polyetherimide comprise more than 1, specifically 10 to 1,000, or more specifically, 10 to 500 structural units, of formula

(5):

wherein T is -O- or a group of the formula -0-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -O- or the -0-Z-O- group are in the 3,3', 3,4', 4,3', or the 4,4' positions; Z is a divalent group of formula (3) as defined above; and R is a divalent group of formula (2) as defined above.

[0027] In another specific embodiment, the polyetherimide sulfones are polyimides comprising ether groups and sulfone groups wherein at least 50 mole % of the linkers V and the groups R in formula (1) comprise a divalent arylene sulfone group. For example, all linkers V, but no groups R, can contain an arylene sulfone group; or all groups R but no linkers V can contain an arylene sulfone group; or an arylene sulfone can be present in some fraction of the linkers V and R groups, provided that the total mole fraction of V and R groups containing an aryl sulfone group is greater than or equal to 50 mole%.

[0028] Even more specifically, polyetherimide sulfones can comprise more than 1, specifically 10 to 1,000, or more specifically, 10 to 500 structural units of formula (6):

wherein Y is -0-, -S0 ₂ -, or a group of the formula -0-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -0-, S0 ₂ -, or the -0-Z-O- group are in the 3,3', 3,4', 4,3', or the 4,4' positions, wherein Z is a divalent group of formula (3) as defined above and R is a divalent group of formula (2) as defined above, provided that greater than 50 mole% of the sum of moles Y + moles R in formula (2) contain -S0 ₂ - groups. [0029] It is to be understood that the polyetherimides and polyetherimide sulfones can optionally comprise linkers V that do not contain ether or ether and sulfone groups, for

[0030] Imide units containing such linkers are generally be present in amounts ranging from 0 to 10 mole % of the total number of units, specifically 0 to 5 mole %. In one embodiment no additional linkers V are present in the polyetherimides and polyetherimide sulfones.

[0031] In another specific embodiment, the polyetherimide comprises 10 to 500 structural units of formula (5) and the polyetherimide sulfone contains 10 to 500 structural units of formula (6).

[0032] The polyetherimide and polyetherimide sulfones can be prepared by various methods, including, but not limited to, the reaction of a bis(phthalimide) for formula (8):

wherein R is as described above and X is a nitro group or a halogen. Bis- phthalimides (8) can be formed, for example, by the condensation of the

corresponding anhydride of formula (9):

wherein X is a nitro group or halogen, with an organic diamine of the formula (10):

H ₂ N-R-NH ₂ (10),

wherein R is as described above.

[0033] Illustrative examples of amine compounds of formula (10) include: ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, trimethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, hexamethylenediamine, heptamethylenediamine,

octamethylenediamine, nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, 1,12- dodecanediamine, 1,18-octadecanediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 4,4- dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 4-methylnonamethylenediamine, 5- methylnonamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylhexamethylenediamine, 2,5- dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 2, 2-dimethylpropylenediamine, N-methyl-bis (3- aminopropyl) amine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, l,2-bis(3-aminopropoxy) ethane, bis(3-aminopropyl) sulfide, 1,4-cyclohexanediamine, bis-(4-aminocyclohexyl) methane, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 2,6- diaminotoluene, m-xylylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine, 2-methyl-4,6-diethyl-l,3- phenylene-diamine, 5-methyl-4,6-diethyl-l,3-phenylene-diamine, benzidine, 3,3'- dimethylbenzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, bis(4- aminophenyl) methane, bis(2-chloro-4-amino-3, 5-diethylphenyl) methane, bis(4- aminophenyl) propane, 2,4-bis(b-amino-t-butyl) toluene, bis(p-b-amino-t- butylphenyl) ether, bis(p-b-methyl-o-aminophenyl) benzene, bis(p-b-methyl-o- aminopentyl) benzene, 1, 3-diamino-4-isopropylbenzene, bis(4-aminophenyl) ether and l,3-bis(3-aminopropyl) tetramethyldisiloxane. Mixtures of these amines can be used. Illustrative examples of amine compounds of formula (10) containing sulfone groups include but are not limited to, diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) and

bis(aminophenoxy phenyl) sulfones (BAPS). Combinations comprising any of the foregoing amines can be used.

[0034] The polyetherimides can be synthesized by the reaction of the bis(phthalimide) (8) with an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy substituted aromatic hydrocarbon of the formula HO-V-OH wherein V is as described above, in the presence or absence of phase transfer catalyst. Suitable phase transfer catalysts are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,229,482. Specifically, the dihydroxy substituted aromatic hydrocarbon a bisphenol such as bisphenol A, or a combination of an alkali metal salt of a bisphenol and an alkali metal salt of another dihydroxy substituted aromatic hydrocarbon can be used.

[0035] In one embodiment, the polyetherimide comprises structural units of formula (5) wherein each R is independently p-phenylene or m-phenylene or a mixture comprising at least one of the foregoing; and T is group of the formula -O-Z- O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -0-Z-O- group are in the 3,3' positions, and Z is 2,2-diphenylenepropane group (a bisphenol A group). Further, the polyetherimide sulfone comprises structural units of formula (6) wherein at least 50 mole% of the R groups are of formula (4) wherein Q is -S0 ₂ - and the remaining R groups are independently p-phenylene or m-phenylene or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and T is group of the formula -0-Z-O- wherein the divalent bonds of the -0-Z-O- group are in the 3,3' positions, and Z is a 2,2-diphenylenepropane group.

[0036] The polyetherimide and polyetherimide sulfone can be used alone or in combination. In one embodiment, only the polyetherimide is used. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of polyetherimide: polyetherimide sulfone can be from 99:1 to 50:50.

[0037] The polyimides can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 5,000 to 100,000 grams per mole (g/mole) as measured by gel permeation

chromatography (GPC). In some embodiments the Mw can be 10,000 to 80,000. The molecular weights as used herein refer to the absolute weight averaged molecular weight (Mw).

[0038] The polyimides can have an intrinsic viscosity greater than or equal to 0.2 deciliters per gram (dl/g) as measured in m-cresol at 25°C. Within this range the intrinsic viscosity can be 0.35 to 1.0 dl/g, as measured in m-cresol at 25°C.

[0039] The polyimides can have a glass transition temperature of greater than 180°C, specifically of 200°C to 500°C, as measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) per ASTM test D3418. In some embodiments the polyimide, an in particular a polyetherimide has a glass transition temperature of 240 to 350°C.

[0040] The polyimides can have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 grams per minute (g/min), as measured by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) DI 238 at 340 to 370° C, using a 6.7 kilogram (kg) weight.

[0041] One process for the preparation of polyetherimides having structure (1) is referred to as the nitro-displacement process (X is nitro in formula (8)). In one example of the nitro-displacement process, N-methyl phthalimide is nitrated with 99% nitric acid to yield a mixture of N-methyl-4-nitrophthalimide (4-NPI) and N- methyl-3-nitrophthalimide (3-NPI). After purification, the mixture, containing approximately 95 parts of 4-NPI and 5 parts of 3-NPI, is reacted in toluene with the disodium salt of bisphenol-A (BPA) in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. This reaction yields BPA-bisimide and NaN0 ₂ in what is known as the nitro-displacement step. After purification, the BPA-bisimide is reacted with phthalic anhydride in an imide exchange reaction to afford BPA-dianhydride (BPADA), which in turn is reacted with meta-phenylene diamine (MPD) in ortho-dichlorobenzene in an imidization-polymerization step to afford the product polyetherimide.

[0042] An alternative chemical route to polyetherimides having structure (1) is a process referred to as the chloro-displacement process (X is CI in formula (8)). The chloro-displacement process is illustrated as follows: 4-chloro phthalic anhydride and meta-phenylene diamine are reacted in the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium phenyl phosphinate catalyst to produce the bischloro phthalimide of meta- phenylene diamine (CAS No. 148935-94-8). The bischloro phthalimide is then subjected to polymerization by chloro-displacement reaction with the disodium salt of BPA in the presence of a catalyst in ortho-dichlorobenzene or anisole solvent.

Alternatively, mixtures of 3-chloro- and 4-chlorophthalic anhydride may be employed to provide a mixture of isomeric bischloro phthalimides which may be polymerized by chloro-displacement with BPA disodium salt as described above.

[0043] Siloxane polyetherimides can include polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymers having a siloxane content of greater than 0 and less than 40 weight percent (wt%) based on the total weight of the block copolymer. The block copolymer comprises a siloxane block of Formula (I):

wherein R ^1"6 are independently at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic monocyclic groups having 5 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic polycyclic groups having 5 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, V is a tetravalent linker selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic monocyclic and polycyclic groups having 5 to 50 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing linkers, g equals 1 to 30, and d is 2 to 20. Commercially available siloxane polyetherimides can be obtained from SABIC Innovative Plastics under the brand name SILTEM* ^Trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.)

[0044] The polyimide resin can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000, 21000, 22000, 23000, 24000, 25000, 26000, 27000, 28000, 29000, 30000, 31000, 32000, 33000, 34000, 35000, 36000, 37000, 38000, 39000, 40000, 41000, 42000, 43000, 44000, 45000, 46000, 47000, 48000, 49000, 50000, 51000, 52000, 53000, 54000, 55000, 56000, 57000, 58000, 59000, 60000, 61000, 62000, 63000, 64000, 65000, 66000, 67000, 68000, 69000, 70000, 71000, 72000, 73000, 74000, 75000, 76000, 77000, 78000, 79000, 80000, 81000, 82000, 83000, 84000, 85000, 86000, 87000, 88000, 89000, 90000, 91000, 92000, 93000, 94000, 95000, 96000, 97000, 98000, 99000, 100000, 101000, 102000, 103000, 104000, 105000, 106000, 107000, 108000, 109000, and 110000 daltons. For example, the polyimide resin can have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 5,000 to 100,000 daltons, from 5,000 to 80,000 daltons, or from 5,000 to 70,000 daltons. The primary alkyl amine modified polyimide will have lower molecular weight and higher melt flow than the starting, unmodified, polyimide.

[0045] The polyimide resin can be selected from the group consisting of a polyetherimide, for example as described in US patents 3,875,116; 6,919,422 and 6,355,723 a silicone polyetherimide, for example as described in US patents

4,690,997: 4,808,686 a polyetherimide sulfone resin, as described in US patent 7,041,773 and combinations thereof, incorporated herein their entirety.

[0046] The polyimide resin can be a silicone polyetherimide comprising a dimethyl silicone in an amount within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5,

51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, and 60 weight percent. For example, the polyimide resin can be a silicone

polyetherimide comprising from 1 to 40 weight percent of a dimethyl silicone, or from 5 to 40 weight percent of a dimethyl silicone. The polyimide resin can be a silicone polyetherimide comprising an amount of a dimethyl silicone, as described above, the dimethyl silicone can have a silicone block length within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,

52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 silicone repeat units. For example, the polyimide resin can be a silicone polyetherimide comprising from 5 to 40 repeat units of a dimethyl silicone, that is, having a silicone block length of 5 to 50 repeat units.

[0047] The polyimide resin can have a glass transition temperature within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, and 300 degrees Celsius. For example, the polyimide resin can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 200 degrees Celsius.

[0048] The polyimide resin can be substantially free of benzylic protons. The polyimide resin can be free of benzylic protons. The polyimide resin can have an amount of benzylic protons below 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of benzylic protons ranges from more than 0 to below 100 ppm. In another embodiment, the amount of benzylic protons is not detectable.

[0049] The polyimide resin can be substantially free of halogen atoms. The polyimide resin can be free of halogen atoms. The polyimide resin can have an amount of halogen atoms below 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of halogen atoms ranges from more than 0 to below 100 ppm. In another embodiment, the amount of halogen atoms is not detectable. [0050] The organic compound can comprise at least one primary aliphatic amine. The primary aliphatic amine can be without a direct linkage of a nitrogen to an aryl group. Exemplary amines are primary alkyl amine such as stearyl amine, decyl amine, dodecyl amine, tetradecyl amine, 3 -methyl- 1-octyl amine, 3-ethyl-hexyl amine, 4-phenyl butyl amine, 2,7-diphenyl heptyl amine, 1 methyl- 3 -phenyl amine, amino hexanoic acid and the like. In some instances the primary amine will be a C ₁₀ - C ₂ o alkyl amine

[0051] The primary aliphatic amine can be without a functionality selected from a halogen functionality, a hydroxyl functionality, a sulfonic acid functionality, a sulfonic acid salt functionality, and combinations thereof.

[0052] The organic compound can comprise a primary aliphatic amine having a carbon chain length within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 . For example, the organic compound can comprise a C ₆ to C36 primary aliphatic amine.

[0053] The organic compound can comprise a primary aliphatic amine, such as a C ₆ to C36 primary aliphatic amine, in an amount within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.2,

10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7,

11.8, 11.9, 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3,

13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8,

14.9, 15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4,

16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17, 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, 18, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 19, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 19.5,

19.6, 19.7, 19.8, 19.9, and 20 weight percent. For example, the organic compound can comprise from 0.1 to 10.0 weight percent, or from 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent of a C ₆ to C ₃ 6 primary aliphatic amine.

[0054] The organic compound can be a primary aliphatic amine further comprising a carboxylic acid functionality, Exemplary amino carboxylic acids are; amino hexanoic acids, amino octanoic acids, amino decanoic acids, amino ethyl benzoic acids, asparagine, glutamic acid, alanine and mixtures thereof

[0055] The aryl amine/ alkyl imide functionalized polyimide can have a melt viscosity (MV) as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is lower than the melt viscosity of the polyimide resin by a percentage within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 percent. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a melt viscosity as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is at least 15% lower than the polyimide resin.

[0056] The aryl amine / alkyl imide functionalized polyimide can have a melt flow index (MVR) as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, and 150 cc/lOmin. For example, the aryl amine/ alkyl imide functionalized polyimide can have a melt flow index as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius of from 5.0 to 100.0 cc/10 min.

[0057] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, and 300 degrees Celsius. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 180 degrees Celsius. Tg may be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as described in ASTM D3418.

[0058] The resultant aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end-capped with an alkyl imide functionality having a number of carbon atoms within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50. For example, the resultant aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end-capped with a C ₆ to C ₃₆ alkyl imide functionality.

[0059] Still other embodiments relate to an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content that is a mole percentage of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide, the mole percentage can be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55,

1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.75, 1.8, 1.85, 1.9, 1.95, 2, 2.05, 2.1, 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, 2.5, 2.55, 2.6, 2.65, 2.7, 2.75, 2.8, 2.85, 2.9, 2.95, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,

3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 and 10 mole percent. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.15 to 3.0 mole percent, or from 0.3 to 1.5 mole percent, of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide. The concentration of amine and anhydride end groups can be analyzed by various titration and spectroscopic methods well known in the art. Spectroscopic methods include, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence. Examples of infrared methods are described in J. A. Kreuz, et al, J. Poly. Sci. Part A-l, vol. 4, pp. 2067 2616 (1966). Examples of titration methods are described in Y. J. Kim, et al, Macromolecules, vol. 26, pp. 1344 1358 (1993). It may be advantageous to make derivatives of polymer end groups to enhance measurement sensitivity using variations of methods as described in K. P. Chan et al., Macromolecules, vol. 27, p. 6731 (1994) and J. S. Chao, Polymer Bull., vol. 17, p. 397 (1987).

[0060] Various embodiments relate to compositions made by the above- described processes. For example, some embodiments relate to an aryl amine functionalized polyimide composition made by the above-described process. Such a resin can be end capped with an alkyl imide functionality having an number of carbon atoms within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 . For example, the resin can be end-capped with a C ₆ to C ₃ 6 alkyl imide functionality.

[0061] Other embodiments relate to an aryl amine functionalized polyimide composition made by the above-described process, wherein the resin has a change in melt viscosity (MV) of its initial value after held in the melt for 30 minutes at 340 degrees Celsius as per ASTM D 4440. The change in melt viscosity can be within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 percent of the initial polyimide melt viscosity. For example, the resin can have a change in melt viscosity of less than 20% of its initial value after held in the melt for 30 minutes at 340 degrees Celsius as per ASTM D 4440.

[0062] Still other embodiments relate to an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality.

[0063] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have melt viscosity (MV) as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is lower than the melt viscosity of the polyimide resin by a percentage within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 percent. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have melt viscosity as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is at least 15% lower than the polyimide resin.

[0064] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a melt flow index (MVR) as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, and 150 cc/lOmin. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a melt flow index as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius of from 5.0 to 100.0 cc/10 min.

[0065] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, and 300 degrees Celsius. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 180 degrees Celsius.

[0066] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end capped with an alkyl imide functionality having a number of carbon atoms within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 . For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end capped with a C ₆ to C ₃ 6 alkyl imide functionality.

[0067] The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content related to the aryl amine functionalized polyimide by a mole percentage within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55,

1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.75, 1.8, 1.85, 1.9, 1.95, 2, 2.05, 2.1, 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, 2.5, 2.55, 2.6, 2.65, 2.7, 2.75, 2.8, 2.85, 2.9, 2.95, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,

3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 mole percent. For example, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.15 to 3.0 mole, or from 0.3 to 1.5 mole percent, of the aryl amine

functionalized polyimide.

[0068] Further embodiments relate to articles comprising an alkyl imide and aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having an aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The alkyl imide and aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be produced by the above-described process.

[0069] The article can be selected from the group consisting of a fiber, a film, a sheet, an adhesive, molded parts and combinations thereof.

[0070] The article can be a fiber having a denier per filament (dpf) within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,

1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 dpf. For example, the article can be a fiber having a denier per filament (dpf) of less than or equal to 2.0. The fiber can have any cross-section, for example, circular, oval, star shaped, crescent, double horse shoe, bilobe, trilobe or the like. The fiber may also be hollow having one or more channels.

[0071] The article can be a fiber having a tenacity within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 g/denier. For example, the article can be a fiber having a tenacity of greater than or equal to greater than 1.0 g/ denier, or of greater than or equal to 1.5 g/ denier.

[0072] The article can be a fiber having shrinkage at 180 degrees Celsius within a range having a lower limit and/or an upper limit. The range can include or exclude the lower limit and/or the upper limit. The lower limit and/or upper limit can be selected from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 percent. For example, the article can be a fiber having shrinkage at 180 degrees Celsius of less than 1.0%.

[0073] The article can be a fiber, and the article can further comprise a fiber finish, or coating, selected from the group consisting of polyethers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, urethanes, polyolefins, epoxides, acrylates, polyols, alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid salts amides, esters, alkyl sulfonates, amines, ammonium salts, phosphates, phosphites, and combinations thereof. The fiber finish can be applied by any convention means. In some preferred instances the fiber coating will be an aqueous suspension, emulsion or solution.

[0074] Alternatively, the article can be a fabric made from fibers made from our composition. Fabrics can be made by any suitable method, e.g., knitting or weaving, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of fabrics having desired features.

[0075] Advantageously, our invention now provides useful previously unavailable benefits. The use of our terminated PEI enables the production of resins that unexpectedly and remarkably, relatively higher flow and melt stability properties, as compared to a polyetherimide that is not similarly terminated.. Our material enables makes it possible to make fibers with a combination of useful properties and makes it possible to spin fibers having low denier features for extended periods of time.

[0076] In one embodiment, a process comprisese blending a polyimide resin and an organic compound to produce an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality, wherein the polyimide resin has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 5,000 to 100,000 daltons, wherein the organic compound comprises at least one primary aliphatic amine, wherein the primary aliphatic amine does not have a direct linkage of a nitrogen to an aryl group, and wherein the primary aliphatic amine does not have a functionality selected from the group consisting of a halogen functionality, a hydroxyl functionality, a sulfonic acid functionality, a sulfonic acid salt functionality, and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, blending can occur in an extruder operated at atmospheric pressure with no vacuum applied. In this embodiment, the blending can occur in an extruder operated at 50 to 500 rpm. In this embodiment, the blending can occur at a temperature of from 200 to 400 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment the blending can occur in the presence of less than 500 ppm of an organic solvent. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can be selected from the group consisting of a polyetherimide, a silicone polyetherimide, a polyetherimide sulfone resin, and combinations thereof. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can be a silicone polyetherimide comprising from 1 to 40 weight percent of a dimethyl silicone. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can be a silicone polyetherimide comprising from 5 to 40 weight percent of a dimethyl silicone having a silicone block length of 5 to 50 repeat units. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 200 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can be substantially free of benzylic protons. In this embodiment the polyimide resin can be substantially free of halogen atoms. In this embodiment the organic compound can comprise from 0.1 to 10.0 weight percent of a C ₆ to C ₃₆ primary aliphatic amine. In this embodiment the organic compound can comprise from 0.1 - 5.0 weight percent of a C ₆ to C ₃₆ primary aliphatic amine. In this embodiment the organic compound can be a primary aliphatic amine further comprising a carboxylic acid functionality. In this embodiment the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a melt viscosity as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is at least 15% lower than the polyimide resin. In this

embodiment, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a melt flow index as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius of from 5.0 to 100.0 cc/10 min. In this embodiment, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 180 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment, the resultant aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end capped with a C ₆ to C ₃ 6 alkyl imide functionality. In this embodiment, the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.15 to 3.0 mole percent of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide. In this embodiment the aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.3 to 1.5 mole percent of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide. In this embodiment, the process can further comprise continuously producing a fiber having a denier in a range of from greater than 0 to 10 denier at a rate of from 0.5 to 10 kg/hour. The fiber made by this process can be used to make a fabric. Also described herein is an aryl amine functionalized polyimide composition made by the process described herein, wherein the resin is end capped with a C ₆ to C36 alkyl imide functionality. Also described herein is an aryl amine functionalized polyimide composition made by the process described herein, wherein the resin has a change in melt viscosity of less than 20% of its initial value after held in the melt for 30 minutes at 340 degrees Celsius as per ASTM D 4440.

[0077] One embodiment is an aryl amine functionalized polyimide having aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The aryl amine functionalized can have a melt viscosity as measured by ASTM4440 at 340 degrees Celsius that is at least 15% lower than the polyimide resin. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be an aryl amine functionalized polyimide has a melt flow index as measured by ASTM D1238 with a 6.7 Kg weight at 337 degrees Celsius of from 5.0 to 100.0 cc/10 min. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 180 degrees Celsius. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can be end capped with a C ₆ to C36 alkyl imide functionality. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.15 to 3.0 mole percent of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide. The aryl amine functionalized polyimide can have an aryl amine content of from 0.3 to 1.5 mole percent of the aryl amine functionalized polyimide.

[0078] Also described herein is an article comprising an aryl amine functionalized polyimide, having an aryl amine functionality in excess of any anhydride functionality. The article can be selected from the group consisting of a fiber, a film, a sheet, an adhesive, and combinations thereof. The article can be a fiber having a denier per filament (dpf) of less than or equal to 2.0. The fiber can have a tenacity of greater than or equal to greater than 1.0 g/ denier. The fiber can have a tenacity of greater than or equal to 1.5 g/ denier. The fiber can have shrinkage at 180 degrees Celsius of less than 1.0%. The fiber can further comprise a fiber finish selected from the group consisting of polyethers, polyesters, polyamides, silicones, urethanes, polyolefins, epoxides, acrylates, polyols, alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid salts amides, esters, alkyl sulfonates, amines, ammonium salts, phosphates, phosphites, and combinations thereof. The fiber can be used to make a fabric,. EXAMPLES

[0079] The purpose of Examples 1 to 35 was to make aryl amine terminated polyetherimides, polyetherimide sulfones and silicone polyetherimides. Examples of the invention are designated by numbers, letters designate comparative control Examples.

Techniques & Procedures

[0080] Blends were prepared by extrusion of mixtures of octadecyl amine (Ci ₈ NH ₂ ), with polyetherimides (ULTEM 1000, 1010 and 1040), polyetherimde sulfones (ULTEM XH6050 or Ul) or a silicone polyimide copolymer (SILTEM STM1700) resin in a 30mm co-rotating twin screw extruder with six barrel sections. In some instances 6-amino hexanoic acid (AHA) or bis (3-amino propyl)

polydimethyl siloxane (G10) was mixed with the polyetherimide (PEI) resins. The mixtures were prepared by mixing either PEI pellets, fine grind powders or a mixture of the two, with the powdered octadecyl amine or AHA and then tumble blending for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. In the case of the liquid G10 additive, PEI pellets were first coated with the liquid and mixed and then a second portion of powdered PEI resin was added to the coated pellets, this facilitated feeding to the extruder. Compositions are listed in the tables as wt.% of the total composition unless noted otherwise. The blends were fed into an extruder run at about 300 rpm. The extruder was vented to the atmosphere, no external vacuum was applied. The extruder was set at about 250 to 330 °C for the ULTEM 1000, 1010, 1040 or the Siltem STM1700 blends. The ULTEM XH6050 or Ul blends were extruded hotter (300 to 370 °C for XH6050 or 300 to 400 °C for Ul) due to their higher Tg. The chemically modified extrudate was cooled in a water bath, pelletized and dried at 150 °C. Test samples were injection molded at a set temperature of 300 to 360 °C and a mold temperature of 120 °C using a 30 sec. cycle time. All molded samples were conditioned for at least 48h at 50% relative humidity prior to testing.

[0081] Properties were measured using ASTM test methods. Melt flow (MVR) was run on dried pellets as per ASTM D1238 at 300, 337 or 400 °C using a 6.7 Kg weight with either a 6 minute or 18 minute equilibration. MVR was measured as cc/10 minutes. Higher values indicate higher melt flow. Viscosity vs. shear rate (MVM) was run on a capillary rheometry at 300, 340, 350 or 400 °C as per ASTM test method D3835 using a shear rate of about 30 to 7000 1/sec. MVM viscosity was measured in Pascal seconds (Pa-s). Lower values indicate higher melt flow. Viscosity vs. time, also known as melt dwell or time sweep, was run using a parallel plate/ cone-plate fixture rheometer at 300, 340 or 350 °C for 30 minutes at 10 radians/ sec. under nitrogen as per ASTM D4440. Viscosity at the onset (after a 6 minute equilibration) and end of the test (30 minutes after equilibration) were compared to show the relative stability of the molten polymer. Viscosity was measured as poise

(P).

[0082] Molecular weight was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as per ASTM method D5296. Molecular weight is reported as both weight average (Mw) and number average (Mn) molecular weight. Polystyrene standards were used for calibration. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as per ASTM method D3418 at a 20 °C/min. heating rate. Tg was recorded on the second heat. Tensile strength was measured on injection molded parts as per ASTM method D638 and is reported as mega Pascals (MPa). Tensile modulus was measured as tangent, tensile strength is reported at yield (Y) and percent elongation (%E) reported at break. Crosshead speed was 50mm/min. Notched Izod (NI) and reversed notched Izod (RNI) were measured as per ASTM D256 using a 5 lb hammer. Multiaxial impact (MAI) was measured on 3.2 mm disc as per as ASTM D3763; total impact energy is reported as Joules (J). Heat distortion temperature (HDT) was measured on 3.2mm bars at 66 or 264 psi as per ASTM method D648 and reported as degrees centigrade (°C). Optical properties; percent transmission (%T), percent haze (%H) and yellowness index (YI), were measured on as molded 3.2mm discs as per ASTM method D1003.

[0083] 3 IP NMR analysis, using phosphorous functionalization of the polyetherimide end groups, was used to characterize the resins. A sample was dissolved in CDC13 (deutero chloroform) with pyridine and chromium (III) AcAc (acetylacetonate); trichloro phenol was used as a standard. The active phosphorylating agent, which derivatized the amine and carboxylic acid functionality into phosphorous containing species, was o-phenylene phosphorochloridite (CAS# 1641-40-3). The resin solutions were allowed to react for at least 15 minutes, converted into their phosphorus derivatives and analyzed by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance).

Phosphorus 31 isotope signals were observed and quantified vs. the trichloro phenol standard. The chemical shifts were 135.7 ppm for the aryl amine (NH ₂ ) and 129.3 ppm for the aliphatic carboxylic acid (COOH). No signals were observed in the resin samples for the alkyl amine starting materials; octadecyl amine, amino hexanoic acid or GlO.

[0084] PEI stoichiometry (IR Stoic NH ₂ excess) was measured on -0.5 mm pressed films using a FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red) spectrometer. The amine peak at 3381 cm ^"1 was measured and compared to the anhydride group absorbance at 1901 cm ^"1 . Using the molar absorption values measured from model compounds the end group concentrations (mole % amine and mole% anhydride) were determined. The difference in the amine minus anhydride was calculated and reported as IR stoic NH ₂ excess. The values are the average of at least two points from the same film and reported as mole % of the polymer.

[0085] Fiber tensile strength and tenacity were measured as per ASTM D2256, tensile strength reported as mega Pascals (MPa), tenacity is reported as grams / denier (g/d). Percent fiber shrinkage was tested at 180 and 200 °C as per ASTM D2259.

[0086] The Materials used to make the make aryl amine terminated polyetherimides polyetherimide sulfones and silicone polyetherimides of the

Examples are described in Table 1.

Table 1

CAS

Material Description Vendor

Number

ULTEM 1000 a polymer of bisphenol-A SABIC

U1000 dianhydride and m-phenylene diamine, Mw- 61128-46-9 Innovative

54K Plastics

ULTEM 1010 a polymer of bisphenol-A SABIC

U1010 dianhydride and m-phenylene diamine, Mw 61128-46-9 Innovative

-44K Plastics

ULTEM 1040 a polymer of bisphenol-A SABIC

U1040 dianhydride and m-phenylene diamine, Mw 61128-46-9 Innovative

-32K Plastics

EXTEM XH6050 a polymer of bisphenol-A SABIC

U6050 dianhydride and diamine diphenyl sulfone, 77699-82-2 Innovative

Mw ~38K Plastics

SABIC

Ul a polymer of oxydiphthalic dianhydride

Ul 859766-55-5 Innovative and diamine diphenyl sulfone, Mw ~20K

Plastics

SILTEM STM1700 a polymer of bisphenol-

SABIC

A dianhydride, m-phenylene diamine and

STM1700 99904-16-2 Innovative

-20 wt% bis (3-amino propyl) polydimethyl

Plastics siloxane, Mw ~39K

bis (3-amino propyl) terminated Sigma

G10 polydimethyl siloxane, -10 silicone repeat 106214-84-0 Aldrich units Mw -700 Chemical

Akzo

Ci ₈ NH ₂ Armeen 18D, octadecyl amine (Ci ₈ H3 ₇ NH ₂ ) 124-30-1

Nobel

Sigma

AHA 6-amino hexanoic acid 60-32-2 Aldrich

Chemical

Example 1 - 13

[0087] The results we obtained to prepare polyetherimides with both amine and octadecyl imide end groups are shown in Tables 2 to 6. Table 2: PEI U1010 with Octadecyl Amine

Example A 1 2 3 4 5

U1010 0.1% 0.3% 0.5% 0.7% 1.0%

Composition

PEI C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂

MVR 6 min 337

17.4 21.5 28.0 39.9 50.1 82.2 °C 6.7 Kg

MVR 18 min 337

17.5 22.3 30.0 41.8 50.2 82.6 °C 6.7 Kg

Vise MV (P)

15341 13434 9739 7707 5846 3726 dwell 340 °C start

Vise MV (P)

dwell 340 °C/ 30 15326 13442 9884 7726 5787 3598 min.

GPC Mw 44033 42938 40658 38801 37647 35574

GPC Mn 18325 18338 17723 16685 16819 16443

% reduction Mw 0 2.5 7.7 11.9 14.5 19.2

Tg DSC °C 218.4 217.2 214.5 212.9 211.3 207.9

IR Stoic NH2

-0.03 0.04 0.14 0.36 0.48 0.68 excess, mole %

31P NMR NH ₂

13 not run not run not run 60 148 ppm

T Mod MPa 3860 3920 3910 3950 3960 3930

T Str (Y) MPa 114 113 108 101 99 105

%T 3.2 mm 64.9 63.4 63.1 68.2 70.6 71.7

%H 3.0 1.7 2.2 2.5 2.2 2.4

Discussion

[0088] Our results show that our aryl-amine terminated PEI exhibits, unexpectedly and remarkably, relatively higher flow and melt stability properties, as compared to a polyetherimide that is not aryl-amine and octadecyl imide terminated. Melt Stability results are evidenced by the dwell test. Higher flow properties are evidenced by melt viscosity results. [0089] More particularly, Examples 1 to 5 in Table 2 show the modification of polyetherimde ULTEM1010 with 0.01 to 1.0 wt.% octadecyl amine. After a single pass through the extruder the modified resins (Examples 1 to 5) show a higher melt flow than the control Example A, as evidenced by an increase in MVR at 337 °C from 17.4 to 82.2 cc/g. In addition the modified resins show very good melt stability with only a small change in MVR comparing 6 to 18 minute melt residence. Likewise after a 30 min. melt dwell at 340 °C there is little change between the initial (start) and final (30 min.) melt viscosity (MV). This stable melt viscosity indicates that any chemical reaction that may have occurred during extrusion is essentially complete and there is little, if any, further change in the modified PEI resin melt viscosity. Also note that while the octadecyl amine level is only slightly changed from 0.1 to 1.0 wt% in Examples 1 to 5 the starting melt viscosity (MV) at 340 °C is sharply lower going from 15431 to 3726 poise (P). Further the modified resins of Example 1 to 5 retain clarity and have slightly improved percent transmission (%T) and lower haze (%H). Tensile strength and modulus are retained or slightly improved. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is slightly reduced for the modified PEI resins, but even with 1 wt% octadecyl amine is still above 200 °C.

[0090] Chemical analysis by infra-red (IR) spectroscopy shows that there is an increase in the aryl amine functionality of the modified PEI resins of Example 1 to 5 compared to the control Example A. Example A has an excess of anhydride functionally over amine end groups giving a negative amine stoichiometry value of - 0.03 mole %. The modified resins 1 to 5 show the amine excess increasing to as high as 0.68 mole %. Likewise a phosphorous NMR (31P NMR) analysis of the phosphorus derivatives of the modified resins 4 and 5 show an increase in the aryl amine signal from 13 ppm aryl amine in control Example A to 60 and 148 ppm respectively in Examples 4 and 5.

[0091] In a further characterization Examples 1 to 5 were compared to control Example A in terms of their viscosity vs. shear rate (MVM) at 340 °C. Table 3 shows that with higher levels of octadecyl amine the modified PEI resins show improved melt flow (lower viscosity than Example A) at a wide range of shear rates (29 to 7018 1/sec.) normally encountered in melt forming processes such as injection molding. Table 3: MVM Viscosity vs. Shear Rate U1010 w Octadecyl Amine

Example A 1 2 3 4 5

U1010 0.1% 0.3% 0.5% 0.7% 1.0%

Composition

PEI C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂

Shear Rate

Shear Viscosity (Pa-s) at 340 °C

(1/sec.)

29 2089 1636 1238 996 732 443

53 2016 1713 1352 983 804 453

99 1851 1606 1193 980 735 438

200 1518 1319 1031 791 608 419

292 1346 1209 959 767 620 408

501 1085 963 780 644 517 346

642 957 850 703 586 479 317

1002 756 680 571 490 407 285

1503 590 540 460 403 339 248

3008 391 357 313 277 236 182

5011 262 243 214 193 165 131

7018 203 191 171 153 133 108

[0092] In Table 4 (Examples 6 to 9) the blends of polyetherimde U1010 (control Example B) are combined with higher amounts (1.0 to 5.0 wt.%) of octadecyl amine. The higher levels of octadecyl amine give an even larger increase in melt flow as seen in yet higher MVR (as high as 129 cc/10 min) and lower initial MV (as low as 441 P with 3% octadecyl amine in Example 8). Note that for these very high flow PEI resins the MVR was run at 300 °C as opposed to the 337 °C temperature used in Table 2. With 5% octadecyl amine (Example 9) the melt flow was so high it could not be measured at 340 °C using the melt dwell apparatus. The IR stoichiometry and 3 IP NMR show a very large increase in aryl amine functionality of the modified resins Examples 6 to 9. With higher octadecyl amine the Tg is reduced compared to control Example B, but even with 5 wt.% octadecyl amine the Tg is above 185 °C. Table 4: U1010 w Higher Amounts of Octadecyl Amine

Example B 6 7 8 9

U1010 1% 2% 3% 5%

Composition

PEI Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂

MVR 300 °C 6 min 6.7

2.0 8.8 38.6 123 129.0 Kg

MVR 300 °C 18 min

2.7 9.5 43.8 143 162.0 6.7 Kg

GPC Mw 43802 35605 29466 26731 26275

GPC Mn 18933 16141 13203 11632 10937

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

16947 4155 1040 441 too low °C start

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

17253 4056 967 423 too low °C , 30 min.

IR Stoic NH ₂ excess,

-0.60 0.68 1.77 2.93 3.33 mole %

31P NMR NH ₂ ppm 48 218 472 673 691

Tg DSC °C 218.6 210.1 200.0 190.6 187.8

[0093] Table 5 shows the efficacy of using octadecyl amine with a low molecule weigh PEI resin, ULTEM 1040 (control Example C) to make even lower molecular weight, higher flow resins Examples 10 to 13. With 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% octadecyl amine the MVR is increased from 12.4 to 27.8 cc/10 min. Note that in order to accommodate these very high flow resin the MVR was run at 300 vs. 337 °C. The modified resins continue to show good melt stability with little change in MV after 30 minute dwell at 300 or 340 °C. The IR stoichiometry shows an increase in aryl amine functionality for Examples 10 to 13. Tg is above 200 °C for all modified resins. Table 5: U1040 w Octadecyl Amine

Example C 10 11 12 13

0.3% 0.5% 0.7% 1.0%

Composition U1040

C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂

MVR 300 °C 6 min

9.1 12.4 15.8 20.3 27.8 6.7 Kg

MVR 300 °C 18 min

9.4 12.9 16.9 21.5 27.8 6.7 Kg

Vise MV (P) dwell 300

39203 29021 23782 18620 13160 °C start

Vise MV (P) dwell 300

39779 28633 22583 17197 11499 °C, 30 min.

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

3956 2582 2067 1783 1348 °C start

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

4014 2586 2079 1789 1361 °C, 30 min.

GPC Mw (PS stds) 31826 29745 30087 29476 28460

GPC Mn 14214 12690 13857 13213 12895

IR Stoic NH ₂ excess,

-0.098 0.167 0.277 0.474 0.708 mole %

Tg DSC °C 216.9 212.8 209.0 207.6 202.7

[0094] In a further characterization Examples 10 to 13 were compared to control Example C in terms of their viscosity vs. shear rate (MVM) at 300 °C. Table 6 shows that with higher levels of octadecyl amine the modified PEI resins show improved melt flow (lower viscosity than Example C) at a wide range of shear rates (34 to 7008 1/sec.) normally encountered in melt processes such as injection molding. Table 6: MVM Viscosity vs. Shear Rate for Ultem 1040 w Octadecyl Amine

Example C 10 11 12 13

0.3% 0.5% 0.7% 1.0%

Composition U1040 PEI

C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂ C ₁₈ NH ₂

Shear Rate

Shear Viscosity (Pa-s) 300 °C

(1/Sec.)

34 2910 2862 2147 2363 1828

55 3328 2620 2225 2093 1583

97 3150 2426 2025 1955 1483

202 2382 1933 1632 1583 1202

296 2053 1664 1496 1429 1117

503 1557 1287 1148 1117 899

645 1364 1111 1005 973 812

999 1065 869 793 770 656

1499 892 737 642 624 538

3008 645 533 474 457 397

5012 392 328 296 286 256

7008 515 264 231 225 200

EXAMPLES 14 - 19

[0095] The purpose of these Examples (Tables 7 to 10) was to evaluate aryl- amine terminated and alkyl-imide (octa decyl imide) terminated polyetherimide sulfones with improved melt flow.

[0096] The invention was further extended to the polyetherimide sulfone (PEIS) resin ULTEM XH6050. Table 7 shows improved flow in Examples 14 to 18 with 0.3 to 1.5 wt.% octadecyl amine compared to the polyetherimide sulfone control Example D. MVR at 337 °C is improved from 5.2 cc/10 min. to as much as 50.9 cc/10 min. The initial melt viscosity (MV) at 340 °C for Examples 14 to 18 in the dwell test is also significantly lower than the control Example D. [0097] The small changes in MV after 30 minutes and MVR after 18 minutes show the modified PEIS resins (14 to 18) to have good melt stability at 340 °C and indicate that any chemical modification has largely been completed after extrusion. The IR stoichiometry and 31 P MNR show an increase in aryl amine content for the modified resins. Tg of the modified polyetherimide sulfone resins is at least 220 °C.

[0098] Examples 14 to 18 were further characterized by comparing their viscosity vs. shear rate (MVM) at 350 °C to the unmodified polyetherimide sulfone (PEIS) control Example D. Table 8 shows that with higher levels of octadecyl amine the modified PEIS resins show improved melt flow (lower viscosity than Example D) at a wide range of shear rates (29 to 7018 1/sec.) that are normally encountered in melt processes such as injection molding.

[0099] The invention was further extended to the very high Tg Ul polyetherimide sulfone made form oxydiphthalic anhydride and diamino diphenyl sulfone. The Ul resin was extruded at 400 °C with 0.3 wt.% octadecyl amine to prepare the improved flow modified resin of Example 19. The MVR at 400 °C is increased from 1.9 to 3.9 cc/10 min. The Tg is above 285 °C. Table 9: Ul with Octadecyl Amine

Example E 19

Composition Ul 0.3% Ci ₈ NH ₂

MVR 400 °C 6 min 6.7 Kg 1.9 3.9

Tg DSC °C 290.9 285.8

[0100] The improved flow of the modified Ul polyetherimide sulfone resin of Example 19 is further demonstrated in comparing the viscosity vs. shear (MVM) at 400 °C to the unmodified control Example E (Table 10). Note the lower viscosity (measured in Pa-s) at all shear rates.

Examples 20 - 23

[0101] The purpose of these Examples (Tables 11 and 12) was to evaluate aryl-amine terminated and carboxylic acid alkyl-imide terminated polyetherimides with improved melt flow.

[0102] In Examples 20 to 23 (Table 11) the U1040 resin is modified with 0.3 to 1.0 % amino hexanoic acid (AHA) by melt extrusion at -340 °C. In these

Examples the AHA reacts with the PEI resin to improve flow as seen by high MVR values at 300 °C and lower initial MV dwell values at 340 °C. In addition there is also an increase for both the IR stoichiometry and the 3 IP NMR NH2 aryl amine functionality as shown by higher amine values for Examples 20 to 23 compared to the Example F control. In addition the AHA introduces a new aliphatic carboxylic acid functionality. This aliphatic COOH group gives an additional 3 IP NMR signal at 129.1 ppm. The Tg is above 200 °C for all the AHA modified resins. Surprisingly both the aryl amine and alkyl carboxylic acid, that might be expected to further react with each other, are both present in the modified resins.

[0103] Then MV dwell for 30 minutes at 340 °C show little change indicating little, if any, reaction even with the aryl amine and carboxylic acid groups present.

Table 11: U1040 w Amino Hexanoic Acid

Example F 20 21 22 23

0.3% 0.5% 0.7%

Composition U1040 1.0% AHA

AHA AHA AHA

MVR 6 min 300 °C 6.7 Kg 9.1 11.7 13.9 17.0 22.3

MVR 18 min 300 °C 6.7

8.7 11.7 13.7 16.4 22.7 Kg

Vise MV (P) dwell 340 °C

4158 3096 2641 2401 1746 start

Vise MV (P) dwell 340 °C,

4104 2937 2552 2351 1687 30 min.

% MV retention 97.7% 94.9% 96.6% 97.9% 96.6%

GPC Mw (PS stds) 31994 30973 30156 29408 28274

GPC Mn 14251 13507 12642 13284 12222

% reduction Mw 0% 3.2% 5.7% 8.1% 11.6%

Tg DSC °C 214.3 211.2 208.9 207.7 204.1

IR Stoic NH ₂ excess, mole

-0.104 0.186 0.454 0.685 1.079 %

3 IP NMR aryl NH ₂ ppm 24.2 48.5 74.7 136.9 148.2

31P NMR alkyl COOH

0.0 80.3 115.4 255.5 331.2 ppm

[0104] Examples 20 to 23 modified with amino hexanoic acid were further characterized by comparing their viscosity vs. shear rate (MVM) at 340 °C to the polyetherimide U1040 control Example F. Table 12 shows that with higher levels of amino hexanoic acid the modified PEI resins show improved melt flow (lower viscosity than Example F) at a wide range of shear rates (26 to 7016 1/sec.) that are normally encountered in melt processes such as injection molding. Table 12: MVM Vise, vs Shear U1040 w Amino Hexanoic Acid

Example F 20 21 22 23

Composition U1040 0.3% AHA 0.5% AHA 0.7% AHA 1.0% AHA

Shear Rate (1/sec.) Shear Viscosity (Pa-s) 340 °C

26 671 420 327 327 218

51 653 409 361 319 247

100 599 397 354 302 237

201 513 377 320 283 218

300 488 355 300 264 211

501 437 322 283 246 195

641 412 308 270 236 187

1003 357 267 243 216 174

1504 301 235 215 194 159

3007 211 176 162 150 126

5011 153 128 119 112 95

7016 124 106 98 93 81

Examples 24 - 35

[0105] The purpose of these Examples (Tables 13 - 17) was to evaluate aryl- amine terminated silicone polyetherimide copolymers with improved melt flow.

[0106] Examples 24 to 27 show the melt reaction of 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% octadecyl amine with the silicone polyetherimde copolymer SILTEM STM1700. The IR stoichiometry shows an increase in the aryl amine functionality for Examples 24 to 27 vs. the control Example G. As can be seen in comparing Example 24 to 27 to the unmodified control resin Example G the MVR at 300 °C with a 1.2 or 6.7 Kg weight are substantially increased with addition of the octadecyl amine. The initial MV at 340 °C in the dwell test also shows higher flow (a lower viscosity). The small change in MV after 30 minutes at 340 °C shows the modified silicone polyetherimide copolymers (24 to 27) to have good melt stability despite their higher amine functionality (IR Stoic NH ₂ ). Tensile modulus, strength and elongation at break are retained in the high flow modified resins 24 to 27. Tg is above 190 °C. The heat distortion temperature (HDT) at 66 psi is above 150 °C. The resins of examples 24 to 27 retained their clarity, percent transmission (%T) is slightly increased vs. control G. The low haze (%H), below 5%, is retained and color, as shown by lower YI, is slightly improved (YI is reduced).

Table 13: STM1700 w Octadecyl Amine

Example G 24 25 26 27

0.3 0.5 0.7 1.0

Composition STM1700

Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂ Ci ₈ NH ₂

IR Stoic NH ₂ excess,

0.599 0.812 0.867 1.216 1.499 mole %

GPC Mw (PS stds) 38665 37217 36803 35222 33335

GPC Mn 13671 13827 13241 13090 12574

% reduction Mw 0% -3.8% -4.8% -8.9% -13.8%

MVR 300 °C 6 min 1.2

1.0 2.3 4.0 5.1 8.0 kg

MVR 300 °C 18 min l.2

1.0 1.7 4.8 5.2 10.3 Kg

MVR 300 °C 6 min 6.7

11.3 18.0 32.0 35.1 69.7 Kg

MVR 300 °C 18 min 6.7

11.0 19.1 37.4 44.2 83.4 Kg

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

8482 4823 3488 2760 1962 °C start

Vise MV (P) dwell 340

6791 3426 2452 2033 1458 °C, 30 min.

Tg DMA °C 197.5 195.5 194.8 193.6 191.4

HDT 66 psi °C 167.4 160.8 162.2 160.4 155.6

HDT 264 psi °C 146.4 140.9 140.1 138.0 134.8

T Mod MPa 2230 2250 2220 2220 2160

T Str (Y) MPa 69.4 68.5 67.7 67.3 65.6

% Elong (B) 13 13 13 13 13

N Izod J/m 111 90 85 81 69

RN Izod J/m 1780 1530 1540 1400 1030

MAI Total Energy (J) 48.1 46.3 52.5 52.4 42.0

YI 3.2mm 140.6 137.7 135.7 135.2 134.2

%T 26.6 30.3 31.9 32.5 33.3

%H 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.7 4.0

[0107] The improved flow of the modified silicone polyetherimide resins of Examples 24 to 27 is further demonstrated in comparing the viscosity vs. shear (MVM) at 300 °C to the unmodified control Example G (Table 14). Note the lower viscosity (measured in Pa-s) at all shear rates with octadecyl amine modification of the silicone polyetherimide copolymer.

[0108] In Table 15 Examples 28 to 31 show the melt reaction of 0.5 to 2.0 wt.% bis (3-amino propyl) terminated polydimethyl siloxane (G10) with the high Mw polyetherimde ULTEM 1000. As can be seen in comparing Examples 28 to 31 to the unmodified control resin Example H, the MVR at 337 °C is substantially increased with addition of the G10 compared to the unmodified resin of Example H. The initial

MV at 340 °C in the dwell test also shows higher flow (a lower viscosity) with the added G10. The small (less than 25%) change in MV after 30 minutes at 340 °C shows the modified silicone polyetherimide copolymers (28 to 31) to have good melt stability.

[0109] Tensile modulus, strength and elongation at break are retained in the high flow modified resins 28 to 31. Tg is above 210 °C. As compared to the STM Examples 24 to 28 of Table 13 the percent transmission (%T) is much lower and percent haze (%H) are much higher indicating a loss of transparency when the G10 is reacted with the U1000 PEL Transparency was not lost in any of the previous Examples using octadecyl amine or amino hexanoic acid with the ULTEM

polyetherimides or the SILTEM silicone polyetherimide.

[0110] Reversed notched Izod (RNI) and multiaxial impact (MAI) are improved in by addition of the G10 compared to the control U1000 resin of Example H.

[0111] The IR stoichiometry shows that the U1000 resin, that is initially anhydride rich (IR stoic NH2, -0.079), becomes increasingly aryl amine

functionalized with higher NH ₂ stoic values.

[0112] The improved flow of the G10 amine functional polyetherimide resins of Examples 28 to 31 is further demonstrated in comparing the viscosity vs. shear (MVM) at 340 °C to the unmodified control Example H (Table 15). Note the lower viscosity (measured in Pa-s) at all shear rates with G10 silicone diamine modification.

Table 15: U1000 w G10 Silicone Diamine MVM Vise. vs. Shear

Example H 28 29 30 31

Composition U1010 0.5% G10 1.0% G10 1.5% G10 2.0% G10

Shear Rate (1/sec.) Shear Viscosity (Pa-s) 340 °C

26 2310 1997 1929 1425 1242

51 2038 1817 1651 1363 1251

100 1822 1585 1393 1200 1018

200 1495 1315 1169 961 790

300 1303 1147 1018 834 670

501 1056 936 839 691 581

642 935 827 756 632 532

1002 739 655 612 530 452

1504 587 520 491 437 388

3007 396 345 330 300 279

5011 269 233 226 207 197

7016 209 181 180 165 157

[0113] In Table 16 Examples 32 to 35 show the melt reaction of 0.5 to 2.0 wt.% bis (3-amino propyl) terminated polydimethyl siloxane (G10) with

polyetherimde ULTEM 1010. As can be seen in comparing Examples 22 to 35 to the unmodified control resin Example I the MVR at 337 °C is substantially increased with addition of the G10 compared to the unmodified resin of Example I. The initial MV (MV Dwell start) at 340 °C in the dwell test also shows higher flow (a lower viscosity) with the added G10.

[0114] Tensile modulus, strength and elongation at break are largely retained in the high flow modified resins 32 to 35. Tg is above 215 °C. Reversed notched Izod (RNI) and multiaxial impact (MAI) are improved in Examples 32 and 33 by addition of the 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% G10 compared to the control Example I. [0115] The IR stoichiometry shows that the U1000 resin that is initially anhydride rich (IR stoic NH ₂ , -0.06) becomes increasingly aryl amine functionalized with higher NH ₂ stoic values. 3 IP NMR also shows an increase in aryl amine functionality from 45 to 156 ppm.

[0116] In Table 17 the improved flow of the G10 modified U1010 polyetherimide resins of Examples 32 to 35 is further demonstrated in comparing the viscosity vs. shear (MVM) at 340 °C to the unmodified control Example I. Note the lower viscosity (measured in Pa-s) at all shear rates with G10 silicone diamine modification.

Fiber Examples 36 - 37

[0117] Our aryl-amine terminated and alkyl-imide terminated PEI resin modified with 0.7 wt.% octadecyl amine of Example 4 was melt spun into very fine fibers having a denier that was more than 0 and less than 10, i.e., 2 and 6 denier. The resin was dried for at least 4 hr at about 150 °C and extruded into fibers using a single screw 24:1 L/D extruder set at 360 to 395 °C with a 325 mesh (40 - 50 micron) screen pack, which fed a melt pump run at about 12 rpm feeding a 0.6 mm 144 filament die. The denier, feed and draw rolls were run at about 100 °F and 1500 rpm. The spool, pump dam and wear plate temperatures were about 400 °F. After extrusion the fibers were coated (finished) with a lubricant and fiber process aid, LUROL F6164G from Goulston Technologies Inc., and wound on to a bobbin. In Examples 36 and 37 fibers were made with a 2 and 6 denier/ filament (dpf) value. Throughput was about 0.33 to 1.0 grams/hole/minute. The modified resin spun well with no breakage or dropped fibers. The fibers were smooth and had good lustrous appearance. Properties of these fibers are shown in Table 18. Tenacity as measured as per ASTM D2256, was greater than 1.5 grams/ fiber (g/f). Shrinkage, as measured as per ASTM D2259, at 180 °C was less than 1%, 200 °C shrinkage was less than 3%. The 2 dpf fiber (Example 37) had a tensile strength at max load, as measured as per ASTM D2256 of over 75 MPa.

Example 38

[0118] The purpose of this Example was to make a fabric from a

polyetherimide having aryl-amine functionality. The fiber of Example 37 was knitted into a 3-inch diameter sock. The resulting sock was tested for oxygen index (OI) as per ASTM D2863. The OI of the sample was 31%, showing a fabric that was very resistant to combustion.

Example 39 (Comparative)

[0119] The purpose of this Example was to evaluate the limits of making fibers from a PEI that was not aryl-amine terminated and alkyl-imide terminated PEL The octadecyl amine modified PEI resin had a much wider processing window than the more viscous ULTEM 1010 resin. Melt pressure for the 0.7% octadecyl amine modified PEI (Example 4) was 700 psi compared to the U1010 control (Example A) which had a 1300 psi melt pressure under the same extrusion conditions. The octadecyl amine modified resin could also be melt spun at 25 to 50 °C lower temperature than the U1010 control.

[0120] The U1010 control (Example A) sample showed fiber breakage after spinning at 2 denier after only 4 hours, in other instances fiber breakage occurred after only 2 hrs spinning. The high flow aryl amine and alkyl (octadecyl) imide terminated resin (Example 4) gave no fiber breakage after 8 hrs. (Table 19). Note that the time to fiber breakage may have been longer but the experiment was terminated at 8 hrs. The pressure during fiber spinning from the melt was about 47% lower with the amine and octadecyl imide terminated resin of example 4 compared to the U1010 control (Example A).

[0121] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0122] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0123] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. [0124] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C §112, sixth paragraph. In particular, the use of "step of in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C §112, sixth paragraph.