Poly Phenylene Oxide (PPO)

 In 1965, A. Hay of General Electric produced

polyphenylene oxide by the copper catalyzed
oxidation of 2, 6 xylenol [(CH3)2 C6H3 OH)].

 This is an aromatic polyester in which benzene

rings is linked at the 1 and 4 position via. Oxygen
atom.

Repeat unit of PPO

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 Monomer Ingredients for PPO

 This polymer is made from 2,6 dimethyl phenol

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 Chemistry of Preparation of PPO

 Poly-(phenylene oxide) is known as poly (2,6-dimethyl-

p-phenylene ether).

 The most successful method of preparation involves

oxidative coupling of 2, 6 dimethyl phenol.

 The reaction is carried out at 28-46°C by bubbling

oxygen through a solution of the phenol in the presence
of a copper (I) salt-amine complex for about 7 minutes.

 The reaction mixture is added to methanol filtered and

washed with methanol to give a colourless polymer.

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Chemistry of Preparation of PPO

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 Relations of Structure and Properties of
PPO
 The rigid structure of the polymer molecules leads to a material of a
high Tg of 208°C.

 There is a also a secondary transition at 116°C and the small molecular

motions that this facilitates at room temperature give the polymer in the
mass a reasonable degree of toughness.

 When polymerized the polymer is crystalline but has a surprisingly low

reported melting point (Tm) 257°C.

 The ratio of Tg & Tm of 0.91 (in terms of K) is uniquely high. Because

of the small differences in Tg and Tm there is little time for crystallization
to occur on cooling from the melt and processed polymer is usually
amorphous.

 However if molecular movements are facilitated by raising the

temperature or by the presence of solvent crystallization can occur.
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 Relations of Structure and Properties of
PPO

 The polymer is dissolved by halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons of

similar solubility parameter. Stress cracking can occur with some liquids.
 Being only lightly polar and well below the Tg at common ambient
temperature the polymer is an excellent electrical insulator even at high
frequencies.
 The polymer exhibit very good hydrolytic stability.
 One particular feature of PPO is its exceptional dimensional stability
amongst the so-called engineering plastics.
 It has a low co-efficient of thermal expansion, low molding shrinkage
and low water absorption thus enabling molding to close tolerances.
 It is more or less self-extinguishing polymer with a good chemical
resistance properties.
.

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 Characteristics of PPO (For
Identification)

 It is semi-crystalline and having melting point of 257°C

 Characterized by good dimensional stability and excellent
resistance to hydrolysis and very good dielectric properties
over a wide range of temperature
 Its short term and long term service temperatures are 100
and 80°C
 It is characterized by orange yellow flame with black
smoke and self extinguishing character
 It melts but chars
 It smells phenolic (ink smell) while it is burnt.

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 Characteristics of PPO

 Possesses high melting point and glass transition temperature

 Low co-efficient of thermal expansion
 Continuos use temperature upto 100°C
 Excellent electrical properties
 Low loss factor
 Dissipation factor is quite low
 Very good dimensional stability
 High heat distortion temperature (179°C)
 Low moulding shrinkage
 Low warpage
 Good impact resistance
 Low water absorption
 Soluble only in halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons
 Excellent flame retardancy
 Outstanding hydrolytic stability

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 Properties of PPO

Properties Units Values

Specific gravity ---- 1.5 –
1.10
Tensile strength MPa 41-110
Tensile modulus MPa 234-276
Flexural modulus Mpa 221-
276 Elongation at break % 2-3
Impact strength izod, Notched, J/m 107-537
Hardness R 115-120
Deflection temperature under load 0C 82-149
(1.82 Mpa)
Vicat softening point °C 250-310
Coefficient of linear expansion mm/mm/0C 6-14 x 10-5
Water absorption, 24hrs % 0.06-0.12
Dielectric strength KV/mm 15.7-27-6
Dielectric constant 10-6 Hz 2.7-2.9
Power factor 0.0001-0.0025
Glass transition temperature °C 100-150
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 Properties of PPO

Electrical Properties

The electrical and dielectric properties of noryl are very good and
almost independent of frequency and temperature.

Chemical Properties

 PPO. mod. is resistance to dilute acids strong alkalines, solutions,

alcohols, detergents, fats and oils depending on the additives.

 It is not resistant to concentrated acids, ketones, chlorinated

hydrocarbons, aromatics they swell in many aliphatics.

 PPO mod. Is susceptible to stress cracking because of the styrene

content.

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 Properties of PPO

Weathering Resistance
 Weathering resistance of PPO mod. is less than that of the
unmodified material but still relatively high.
 The long-term heat resistance in air and water in the
presence of oxygen is inferior to that of polyacetals .
Flammability
Flame retardant grades are self-extinguishing and non-
dripping.

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 Properties of PPO

Toxicity
 Correspondingly marked grades are non-toxic Grades
incorporating demolding aids, UV stabilizer and glass fiber
reinforcements are permitted.
 Restrictions apply only to colored grades (cadmium
pigments).
 Suitable non-toxic pigments are carbon
black,Ti02,ultramarine blue and iron oxide.that of polyacetals
Flammability
Flame retardant grades are self-extinguishing and non-
dripping.
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 Additives of PPO

1. Flame retardants

2. Glass fibers

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 Grades of PPO
They are available in the following grades.

 Glass reinforced

 Foam grade

 Plating grade

 High modulus grade

 Blow moulding grade

 Injection moulding grade

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 Processing considerations of PPO

 Typical cylinder temperatures are about 280-300°C and

mold temperatures 100 – 120°C.

 If overheated, the material oxidizes resulting in poor

finish and streakiness. Because of this it is advisable to
purge machines before they are cooled down after
molding.

 The melt of PPO are almost Newtonian viscosity being

almost independent of shear rate.

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 Processing considerations of PPO

 Due to their extremely low moisture absorption PPO resin

can be molded without the need of drying.

 Surface defect in case of due to the trapped moisture, can be

avoided by proper drying.

 Drying temperature vary with the resin grades. Temperature

of 110°C for 2 hours are recommended for drying.

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 Processing considerations of PPO

They can be processed by the following processing

techniques.

 Extrusion

 Foam moulding

 Thermoforming

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 Surface Finishing of PPO

 Screen printing and hot embossing are

common.

 Alkyd, acrylic and epoxide based lacquers are

used for coating. Vacuum metallizing is used for
metal finishes.

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 Machineability of PPO

Joining
 Welding
Surface temperature of 260 to 2900C are selected for heated tool
welding. Friction welding takes place at speeds of 1200 rpm and
contact pressure of 20 N mm-2. Ultrasonic and resistance wire
welding are also used.

 Bonding
PPO can be bonded using solvents such as dichloroethylene,
toluene, chloroform or 950, dichloroethylene with 5%
carbontetrachloride .High tensile and shear strength are achieved
with rubber, epoxide, resin, silicon, cyanoacrylate and PU
adhesives.

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 Applications of PPO

 Automotive

 Electricals/Electronics

 Miscellaneous

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 Applications of PPO

Automotive:

Instrument panels, steering column, cladding,

central consoles, loud speaker housings ventilator grills,
nozzles, parcel shelves, radiator tanks, cable connectors,
bulb sockets, air inlet and outlet grills and outer mirror
housings.

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 Applications of PPO
Electricals/Electronics:
Television tuner strips, microwave insulation component,
transformer housings. Computer terminals, printers, modems,
typewriter bases, video games, copier, capacitor casings, outlet
boxes, coil bobbins, smoke detectors, intrusion alarm, motor
covers and switches.

Capacitor casing
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 Applications of PPO
Miscellaneous:
Water pumps, water meters, sprinkler systems, hot water
tank, washing machine parts, welder’s protective visors, tennis
racquets, textile components and valves for drink vending
machines.

Welder’s protective visor Washing machine parts

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 Applications of PPO

Kettle
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 Blends of PPO

 Polyphenylene oxide is completely miscible with

polystyrene in all proportions. The glass transition
temperature of these blends change smoothly with
composition.

 These blends with 25-60% (weight) of PPO, designed for

injection or blow moulding, extrusion calendering,
thermoforming and reinforced with 0-30 weight percentage
glass fiber.

 They have good processability, toughness, flame retardance,

dimensional stability, resistance to hot water, economy,
HDT (95-150°C), low density and moisture absorption.
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 Blends of PPO
PPO / Nylons

 These are blends (compatibilized) with 40-60 weight

percentage of nylon.

 PPO provide excellent heat resistance, toughness and nylon

(crystalline) resists oils, gasoline and solvent, PPO /
Nylons alloys have a lower density, higher toughness and
show less tool/machine wearcompared to machine filled
Nylon.

 Polyamide grades are used for automotive body panels

which require paint oven temperature upto 175°C.

 PPO/Nylon grades are used in fluid handling applications

which require chemical resistance, dimensional stability
and heat resistance
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List of Manufacturers/Suppliers of
PPO

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