A poly(arylene ether)-polyolefin composition is prepared by melt-blending a poly(arylene
ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic) resin, a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl
aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and an unhydrogenated block copolymer
of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene to form a first blend, and
melt-blending the first blend and a polyolefin and additional hydrogenated block
copolymer to form a second blend. A reinforcing filler and/or an ethylene/alpha-olefin
elastomeric copolymer may, optionally, be added during formation of the second
blend or in an additional step. Multiple mixing elements, low throughput, and high
extruder rotations per minute may be used to achieve high energy mixing of the
first and second blends. Compositions prepared by the method exhibit an improved
balance of impact strength, stiffness, and heat resistance, as well as reduced
variability of physical properties.
