Internally lubricated polymer compositions containing a styrene- and/or
polyphenylene ether-containing polymer, an olefin-containing polymer, and a compatibilizer
are provided. The olefin-containing polymer, which is present in the compositions
in about 3 to about 30 weight percent, provides internal lubrication and improves
the tribological properties of the compositions compared with the styrene- or polyphenylene
ether-containing polymer alone, as determined by wear measurements. Preferred compositions
exhibit wear factors less than about 13010-11n mm5/Pa-m.
A preferred composition includes a blend of polystyrene/polyphenylene ether, linear
low density polyethylene, and styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene. Methods are also
provided for improving tribological properties of styrene- and/or polyphenylene
ether-containing base polymers by incorporating into the base polymers at least
one olefin-containing polymer and at least one compatibilizer, or by incorporating
at least one substantially halogen-free internal lubricant.
