CA1230950A - Polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends - Google Patents

Abstract

POLYETHERIMIDE-POLYPHENYLENE ETHER BLENDS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Disclosed are blends of (a) polyetherimide and (b) a polyphenylene ether. The components of the blend are generally compatible and the blends exhibit good impact strength as well as good mechanical properties. The blends are suitable for forming insulative films on substrates and for the manufacture of filaments, fibers, coatings, molded articles and the like.

Description

~3~

POLYETHERIMIDE-POLYPHENYLENE ETHER BLENDS
This invention relates to a class of polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends. The components of the blend are generally compatible and the bIends have good impact strength as well as good mechanical properties.
The blends of the invention include a polyetherimide o the formula:
_ _ ~ 11 N \ \ ~ - 0 Z - 0 - A / ~ - R

a ; 10 where a represents a whole number in excess of 1, e.g., 10 to 10,000 or more, the group -O-A~ is selected from:

I~`r~ _0~

.
R' being hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, preerably ~ ,r~7 ~3q~ 8CU-3503 the polyetherimide includes the latter -O-A~ group where R' is hydrogen such that the polyetherimide is of the formula:
_ O O

_ ~N --X~J-- -- Z -- ~ N -- R --_ 11 ll O O a and the divalent bonds of the -O-Z-O radical are ln the 3r31; 3,4'; 4,3' or the 4,4' position;
Z is a member of the class consisting of ( 1 ) ~ 4;~H3 ~H3 H3C ~H3 H3C~ _~Br Br CH3 ~0~
3 3 H3C r sr CH3 ~ ~ C(CH3) sr r and (2) divalent organic radicals of the general formula:

-~ (X)q 4~

~2~ gcU-3503 where X is a member selected from the class consisting of divalent radicals of the formulas O O
y 2y ~ C , -O-, -O- and -S-where q i5 0 or l, y is a whole number from l to 5, and R
is a divalent organic radical selected from the classconsisting of (I) aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6-20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof, (2~ alkylene radicals and cycloalkylene radicals having from 2-20 carbon atoms, C(2 8) alkylene terminated lQ polydiorganosiloxane, and (3) divalent radicals included by the formula ~ Q ~ ~

where Q is a member selected from the class consisting of 1~0 O
-O-, -C-, -S- and -C H
o where X is a whole number from 1 to 5 inclusive.
Particularly preferred polye-therimides for the purposes of the present invention includes those where -O-A~
and Z respectively are:

~ ~ and ~ ~ ) ~ C ~ O }

and R is selected from:

~ CH2 ~ ~

The polyetherimides where R is metaphenylene are most preferred.
The blends o~ the invention also include a polyphenylene ether which has the repeating structural units of the formula:
0--~

where the oxygen ether atom of one structural unit is connected to the benzene nucleus of the next adjoining unit, b is a positive integer and is at least 50, generally at least 100~ and Yl, Y2, Y3 and Y4, which may be the same or dif~erent, are monovalent ~ubstitutents seIected from the group consisting o hydrogenl halogen, hydrocarbon radicals, halohydrocarbon radicals having at least two carbon atoms between the halogen atom and the benzene nucleus, hydrocarboxy radicals and halohydrocarboxy radicals having at least two carbon atoms between the halogen atom and the benzene nucleusA Suitable hydrocarbon radicals include alkyl of one to ten carbon atoms and aryl of six to twenty carbon atoms. Preferred polyphenylene ethers for the purposes of the present invention include those where Yl and Y2 are selected from alkyl of one to four carbon atoms and phenyl and Y3 and Y4 are hydrogen.
Particularly preferred polyphenylene ethers for the purposes of the present invention are poly ~3~ 8CU-3503 (2,6-dimethyl 1,4-phenylene)ether, i.e./ Yl and Y2 are methyl, poly(2,6-diphenyl~1,4 phenylene) ether, i.e~
Yl and Y2 are phenyl, and poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl~1~4-phenylene)ether, i.e., Yl is methyl and Y2 is phenyl.
Other suitable polyphenylene ethers include poly(2-benzyl~6-methyl~4 phenylene)ether and poly(2,6~
dibenzyl~l,4 phenylene)ether.
The polyetherimides can be obtained by any of the methods well known to those skilled in the art including the reaction of any aromatic bis(ether anhydrides) of the formula:

O ' O
il . Il 0/ ~ O--Z--O ~,~;~0 Il 11 O O

where Z is as defined hereinbefore with an organic diamine of the formula H2N~R-NH2 where R is as defined hereinbefore.
Aromatic bis(ether anhydride)s of the above formula include, for example, 2,2~bis~4~(2,3~
dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]~propane dianhydride; 4,4'~bis(2,

2~ 3~dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride; 1,3~bis(2,

3~dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride; 1,4-bis(2, 3-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride; 4,4'~bis(2,3~
dicarboxyphenoxy) benzophenone dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(2,3~
dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone dianhydride;
2,2-bis~4-(3f4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl~propane dianhydride;

4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl ether dianhydride;

~L~3~

4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfide dianhydride;
1,3-bis(3~4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benezene dianhydride; 1 t 4-bis (3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride; 4,4'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzophenone dianhydricle 4-(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)-4~(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenyl -2,2-propane dianhydride; etc. and mixtures of such dianhydrides.
In addition, aromatic bis(ether anhydride)s also included by the above formula are shown by Koton, M.M.:
Florinski, F.S.; sessonov~ M.I.; Rudakovr A.P. (Institute of Heteroorganic compoundsf Academy of Sciences, U.S.S.R.), U.S.S.R. 257,010, Nov. 11, 1969, Appl. May 3, 1967. In addition, dianhydrides are shown by M.M. Koton, F.S~
Florinski~ Zh Org. Khin, 4(5), 774 (1968).
Organic diamines of the above formula include, for example, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylpropane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane benzidine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 1,5-diaminoaphthalene~ 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 3,31_ dimethoxybenzidine, 2,4-bis(~ -amino-t-butyl)toluene/
bis(p-~ -amino-t-butylphenyl~ether, bis(p-~ -methyl-o-aminopentyl)benzene, l,3-diamino-4-isopropylbenzene, 1,2-bis(3-aminopropoxy)ethane, m-xylylenediamine, p-xylylenediamine, 2f4-diaminotoluene, 2,6-diaminotoluene, bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 4~4-dimethylheptamethylenediamine/ 2,11-dodecanediamine r 2,2-dimethylopropylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, 3-methoxyhexamethylenediamine, 2~5-dimethylhexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylheptamethylenediamine, 3-methylheptamethylenediamine, 5-methylnonamethylendediamine, 1~4-cyclohexanediamine r 1,12-octadecanediamine~ bis(3-aminopropyl)sulfide, N-methyl-bis (3-aminopropyl)amine, hexamethylenediame, heptamethylenediamine~ nonamethylenediamine, decamethylenediamine, bis(3-aminopropyl) tetramethyldisiloxane, bis(4-aminobutyl) tetramethyldisiloxane, etc.
In general~ the reactions can be advantageously carried out employing well-known solvents, e.g., o-dichlorobenzene, m-cresol/toluene, etc. in which to effect interaction between the dianhydrides and the diamines/ at temperatures of from about 100 to about 240 C.
Alternatively, the polyetherimides can be prepared by melt polymerization of any of the above dianhydrides with any of the above diamino compounds while heating the mixture of the ingredients at elevated temperatures with concurrent intermixing. Generally~ melt polymerization temperatures between about 200 to 400C~ and preferably 230 to 300 C.
can be employed. The conditions of the reaction and the proportions of ingredients can be varied widely depending on the desired molecular weight~ intrinsic viscosity, and solvent resistance. In general r equimolar amounts of diamine and dianhydride are employed for high molecular weight polyetherimides, however, in certain instances, a slight molar excess (abbut 1 to 5 mol percent) of diamine can be employed resulting in the production of polyetherimides having terminal amine groups. Generally, useful polyetherimides have an intrinsic viscosity [~ ]
greater than 0.2 deciliters per gram~ preferably ~.35 to 0.60, or 0.7 deciliters per gram or even higher when measured in m-cresol at 25C.
Included among the many methods of making the polyetherimides are those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
3,847,867, issued November 12, 1974 to Heath et al 3,847,869, issued November 12, 1974 to Williams~
3,850,885, issued November 26, 1974 to l~hlte and 3,855,178, issued December 17, 1974 to White~ etc.
Suitable methods for preparing polyphenylene ethers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,306,874, issued March 7~ 1967 to Hay, 8,306,875, issued March 7~ 1967 to Hay, 3,257,357, issued June 21, 1966 to Stamatoff and 3,257,358, issued ~une 21, 1966 to ~3~

Stamatoff. One method for preparing polyphenylene ethers comprises oxidizing a substituted phenol of the formula:
Y~Yl ~OH

where Yl through Y4 have the meanings set forth previously. Oxidation of the phenol can be accomplished by passing an oxygen containing gas through the phenol while in the presence of a catalyst such as a cuprous salt and a tertiary amine.
In accordance with the present invention, blends of a polyetherimide and a polyphenylene ether are generally obtainable in all proportions of the two polymers relative to each other. Consequently, blends comprising from about 1 to about 99%, by weight, polyetherimide and from about 99 to about 1%, by weight polyphenylene eth~r are included within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the blends of the present invention contain from about 5% to about 95%
by weight, polyetherimide and from about 95% to about

5%, by weight, polyphenylene ether. sy controlling the proportions of the polyetherimide and polyphenylene ether relative to each other, blends having certain predetermined properties which are improved over those of either a polyetherimide or a polyphenylene component alone are readily obtained.
It is contemplated that the polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends of the present invention may also include additive materials such as fillers, stabilizers, plasticizers, flexibilizers, surfactant agents, pigmentsl dyes, reinforcements, flame retardants and diluents in conventional amounts. It is also contemplated that the blends of the invention may include two or more polyetherimides with one or more polyphenylene ~CU-3503 _9~
ethers or two or more polyphenylene ethers in combination with one or more polyekherimides.
Methods for forming polyetherimicle-polyphenylene ether blends may vary considerably. Prior art blending techniques are generally satisfactory. A
preferred method comprises blending the polymers and additives such as reinforcements in powder, granular or filamentous form, extruding the blend, and chopping the extrudate into pellets suitable for mo]ding by means conventionally used to mold normally solid thermoplastic compositions.
The polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends of the present invention have application in a wide variety of physical shapes and forms, including the use as films, molding compounds, coatings, etc. When used as films or when made into molded products, these blends, including laminated products prepared therefrom~ not only possess good physical properties at room temperature but they retain their strength and excellent response to work-loading at elevated temperatures for long periods oftime. Films formed from the blends of this invention may be used in application where films have been used previously. Thus, the blends of the recent invention can be used in automobile and aviation applications for decorative and protective purposes, and as high temperature electrical insulation for motor slot liners, transformers, dielectric capacitors, coil and cable wrappings (form wound coil insulation for motors), and for containers and container linings~ The blends can also be used in laminated structures where films or solutions of the blend are applied to various heat-resistant or other type of materials such as asbestos, mica, glass fiber and the like, the sheets superimposed one upon the other, and thereafter subjecting the sheets to elevated temperatures and pressures to effect flow and cure of the resinous binder to yield cohesive 3~ ~3~

laminated structures. Films made from the subject polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends can also serve in printed circuit applications.
Alternatively, solutions of the blends herein described can be coated on electrical conductors such as copper, aluminum, and the like and thereafter the coated conductor can be heated at elevated temperatures to remove the solvent and provide a continuous resinous composition thereon~
If desired, an additional covercoat may be applied to such insulated conductors including the use of polymeric coatings, such as polyamides, polyesters, silicones, polyvinylformal resins, epoxy resins, polyimides~ polytetrafluoroethylener etc. The use of the blends of the present invention as overcoats on other types of insulation is not precluded.
Other applications which are contemplated for these blends include their use as binders for asbestos fibers, carbon fibersr and other fibrous 2Q materials in making brake linings. In addition, molding compositions and molded articles may be formed from the polymeric blends of the invention preferably by incorporating such fillers as asbestos, glass fibers, talcr quartz, powder, finely divided carbon, silica, and the like into the blends prior to molding.
Shaped articles may be formed under heat, or under heat and pressure, in accordance with practices well-known in the art.
The following examples illustrate specific polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends in accordance with the present invention. It should be understood that the examples are given for the purpose o~
illustration and do not limit the invention. In the examples, all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified~

~ 8CU-3503 Cast and compressed films of polyetherimide-polyphenylene ether blends according to -the invention were prepared and the films then examined for compat-ibility~
The polyetherimide of the blend was prepared from the reaction product of essentially equimo:Lar amounts of 2,2-bis[~-(3,4-dicarboxy phenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride and m~phenylene diamine and the polyphenylene ether was poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene) ether. A blend of about 9 parts of polyetherimide to one part of polyphenylene ether was assessed for compatibility by a) combining 10~ chloroform solutions of each polymer to detect cloudiness which can be indicative of incompatibility, b) compression molding a dried coprecipitated polymer mixture so as to determine hbmogeneity in the pressed sample, and c) solution casting a polymer mixture into a plate and drying to produce a film so as to determine homogeneity.
Specifically, solutions of each component of the blend were prepared by dissolving about 10% by weight of the polymer in about 90~ by weight of chloroform. The contained polymer blend was then precipitated by the addition of methanol and the resultant precipitate dried ~5 under vacuum at about 80C. A portion of the dried blend was redissolved in chloroform and the resultant solution cast on a glass plate. The chloroform was allowed to e~aporate slowly at 25C. leaving a film that was dried under vacuum at about 80C. until a constant film weight resulted to thereby produce a film of about one to five mils in thickness. The remainder of the dried blend was compression molded between aluminum plates for about five minutes at about 5000 psi and at about 270 - 315 C. A
summary of the assessments of the blend is set forth in the following Table I.

~ 8CU-3503 EXAMPLE II
~.
The procedure of Example I was repeated with the exceptlon that about one part of the polyetherimide to about one part of the polyphenylene ether were used to produce the blend according to the invention.
Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table I. A ~ifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement on the compression molded sample showed a vaLue for the glass transition temperature (Tg) of 205 C. Only one transition was detected~
EXAMPLE III
I'he procedure of Example I was repeated with the exception that about one part polyetherimide to about nine parts of polyphenylene were used to produce the blend according to the invention. Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table I~

.... . . . . . ..
. . .. .... ... .. ...... ... . .... . .

~3~ 8CU-3503 N N
~ ~ ~ ~ .
O
~o ~of O U~

. a~ ~ ~
~ ~ 'X'X ~
~ ,J ~ ~ ~
:q a) ~ ~
h ~ :
: '~ ll~
.IJ '~ : U
a) ~. : ~ u u : ~

h a~
' ~q : -~u o a) ~ ~' a ,, ~: . n ~, ~1: Q ~1 U~ ~3 ~
~ ~ Q) ,, a) E~ o O S~ l_ * pO~
O
O
rl P~
fd H .. ..

a 1~H H H O
X H H Q~
F':l H It ~3~ 8CU-3503 EXA~PLE IV
The procedure of Example II was repeated with the exception that poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl-1,4 phenylene) ether was used instead of poly(2,6-diphenyl-1~4-phenylene) ether. Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table II.
EXA~PLE V
The procedure of Example IV was repeated with the exception that about three parts of polyetherimide to about nine parts of polyphenylene ether were used to produce the blend according to the invention.
Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table II. A DSC measurement showed two Tg values (168 and 210 C).
EXAMPLE VI
.
The procedure of Example IV was repeated with the exception that about nine parts polyetherimide to about one part of polyphenylene ether were used to produce the blend according to the invention.
Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table II.

... . .. .. ...... . . . . . . ..

h ~: S~ h ,~ a , O
~U~

5~
,J ~) ~
~ ~ ~ 'X

h ~ -a) Q

H .C ~ ~ ~ ,4 ~ R
t:~ ~:

n nL(l D
u~ ~ I I--P~

O ' ~ O

: ~, H ~ ~

8c~-3503 EXAMPLE VII
The procedure of Example II was repeated with the exception that polyt2,6-dimethyl-1,4 phenylene) ether was used instead of poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4 phenylene) ether. Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform~ compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table III.
EXAMPLE VIII
The procedure of Example VII was repeated with the exception that about one part polyetherimide to about three parts of polyphenylene ether were used to produce the blend according to the invention. Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table III.
XAMPLE IX
The procedure of Example VII was repeated with the exception that about one part polyetherimide to about nine parts of polyphenylene ether were used to produce the blend according to the invention. Observations of the blend after combination in chloroform, compression molding and solution casting are set forth in the following Table.

.

~3~

S~ C
0: 0 .
~rl O ~ t~
O ~ ~ ~ r-J
~: O

: ~
:
:
~ ,~
: ~ X
: rl h ~1 ~: :
. ~ :
~1 : ~ U~
Q ~a : ~ N
: a) : c~ (d S~ :
a) Q
' . ', : rl a) : : ~, t~
~ : :
H ~ : ~ O O a) H ~ : O 0 ~5 ~1 ~1 : H O : ~q ~ ~I r-l R ~ r4 tq lQ ~ U~ rl U~ rl ~:1 Q, : : a) o ~ ~ x o x : ~ : : 5~
m ~ p~ ~
: E~ ~1 . ~ R E
':
::
a a .,~ :
~: . ~3 ~:
a) O ~ u~ ~
~: ~ ~ ~ ~:
~ S~:

O ~:
P~
#
O

b~ ~rl a) fa H .. ..
:
S~
aJ ~a~
Ql 1-1 H ~C
H H H 1-~
d ~ H O

~3~

From the above results r several observations concerning the blends according to the invention can be made. ~lthough poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene)ether does not form a homogeneous blend with the polyetherimide when compression molded since crystallization is very rapid at the pressing temperatures and a non-uniform product results, if solutions of a mixture of amorphous and polyetherimide are used to cast films on glass plates, the films are found to be transparent over a wide range of compositions~ Consequently, the polymers appear to be compatible in all proportions when amorphous.
With a blend containing poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl-1,4 phenylene)ether, some haziness is noted unless the ratio of polyetherimide to poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl-1/4-phenylene)ether is low. Since poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl-1,4-phenylene~ether does not crystallize, the haziness indicates some incompatibility at the 1:1 ratio, but less at other ratios 4 A blend containing poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), shows somewhat limited compatibility even at low polyetherimide ratios. In general, the compatibility of the polyphenylene ethers to polyetherimide seems to be lessened as the quantity of aliphatic groups in the polymer increases.
Substitution of other polyetherimides and/or other polyphenylene ethers for the polyetherimide and/or polyphenylene ether blends o~ the above examples, also may result in the formulation of polyetherimide polymer blends having similar characteristics.
While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof~ it will be understood that numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without actually departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A composition comprising a blend of (a) a polyphenylene ether and (b) polyetherimide wherein the polyphenylene ether consists essentially of the structural formula:

wherein the oxygen ether atom of one structural unit is connected to the benzene nucleus of the next adjoining unit, b is a positive integer and is at least 50 and Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4, which may be the same or different, are monovalent substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbon radicals, halohydrocarbon radicals having at least two carbon atoms between the halogen atom and the benzene nucleus, hydrocarboxy radicals and halohydrocarboxy radicals having at least two carbon atoms between the halogen atom and the benzene nucleus.

2. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein Y1 is methyl, Y2 is phenyl and Y3 and Y4 are hydrogen.

3. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein Y1 and Y2 are methyl and Y3 and Y4 are hydrogen.

4. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein Y1 and Y2 are phenyl and Y3 and Y4 are hydrogen.

5. A composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the polyetherimide has the formula:
where a represents a whole number in excess of 1, the group -O-A< is selected from:
R' being hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, Z is a member of the class consisting of (1)

Claim 5 continued:
and (2) divalent organic radicals of the general formula:
where X is a member selected from the class consisting of divalent radicals of the formulas, where q is 0 or 1, y is a whole number from 1 to 5, and R is a divalent organic radical selected from the class consisting of (1) aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6-20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof, (2) alkylene radicals and cycloalkylene radicals having from 2-20 carbon atoms, C(2-8) alkylene terminated polydiorganosiloxane, and (3) divalent radicals included by the formula where Q is a member selected from the class consisting of - O -, , , - S - and - CxH2x where x is a whole number from 1 to 5 inclusive.

6. A composition in accordance with claim 2, wherein the polyetherimide has the formula:
where a represents a whole number in excess of 1, the group -O-A < is selected from:

R' being hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, Z is a member of the class consisting of (1)

Claim 6 continued:
and (2) divalent organic radicals of the general formula:

where X is a member selected from the class consisting of divalent radicals of the formulas, - CyH2y -, , , - O - and - S -where q is 0 or 1, y is a whole number from 1 to 5, and R is a divalent organic radical selected from the class consisting of (1) aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6-20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof, (2) alkylene radicals and cycloalkylene radicals having from 2-20 carbon atoms, C(2-8) alkylene terminated polydiorganosiloxane, and (3) divalent radicals included by the formula where Q is a member selected from the class consisting of - O -, , , - S - and - CxH2x where x is a whole number from 1 to 5 inclusive.

7. A composition in accordance with claim 3, wherein the polyetherimide has the formula:
where a represents a whole number in excess of 1, the group -O-A< is selected from:

R' being hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, Z is a member of the class consisting of (1)

Claim 7 continued:
and (2) divalent organic radicals of the general formula:

where X is a member selected from the class consisting of divalent radicals of the formulas, - CyH2y - ,, , - O - and - S -where q is 0 or 1, y is a whole number from 1 to 5, and R is a divalent organic radical selected from the class consisting of (1) aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6-20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof, (2) alkylene radicals and cycloalkylene radicals having from 2-20 carbon atoms, C(2-8) alkylene terminated polydiorganosiloxane, and (3) divalent radicals included by the formula where Q is a member selected from the class consisting of - O - ,, , - S - and - CxH2x where x is a whole number from 1 to 5 inclusive.

8. A composition in accordance with claim 4, wherein the polyetherimide has the formula:
where a represents a whole number in excess of 1, the group -O-A < is selected from:
R' being hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, Z is a member of the class consisting of (1) Claim 8 continued:
and (2) divalent organic radicals of the general formula:

where X is a member selected from the class consisting of divalent radicals of the formulas, - CyH2y -, , , - O - and - S -where q is 0 or 1, y is a whole number from 1 to 5, and R is a divalent organic radical selected from the class consisting of (1) aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6-20 carbon atoms and halogenated derivatives thereof, (2) alkylene radicals and cycloalkylene radicals having from 2-20 carbon atoms, C(2-8) alkylene terminated polydiorganosiloxane, and (3) divalent radicals included by the formula where Q is a member selected from the class consisting of - O -, , , - S - and - CxH2x where x is a whole number from 1 to 5 inclusive.

9. A composition in accordance with claim 5 wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula:
and the divalent bonds of O - Z - O radical are in the 3,3'; 3,4'; 4,3' or the 4,4' position.

10. A composition in accordance with claim 6 wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula and the divalent bonds of O - Z - O radical are in the 3,3'; 3,4'; 4,3' or the 4,4' position.

11. A composition in accordance with claim 7 wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula:

and the divalent bonds of O - Z - O radical are in the 3,3'; 3,4'; 4,3' or the 4,4' position.

12. A composition in accordance with claim 8 wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula and the divalent bonds of O - Z - O radical are in the 3,3'; 3,4'; 4,3' or the 4,4' position.

13. A composition in accordance with claim 9, wherein Z is:
and R is selected from

14. A composition in accordance with claim 10, wherein Z is:
and R is selected from

15. A composition in accordance with claim 11, wherein Z is:
and R is selected from

16 . A composition in accordance with claim 12, wherein Z is:
and R is selected from

17. A composition in accordance with claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula:

18. A composition in accordance with claim 16, wherein the polyetherimide is of the formula: