| abstract |
Antistatic thermoplastic compositions are provided in which about 50 to 95 wt% of a thermoplastic polymer contains about 5 to about 50 wt% of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The copolymer is preferably a copolymer of vinyl acetate and poly(alkyleneoxy)acrylate in which the acetate functionality is partially or fully hydrolyzed to yield a vinyl alcohol copolymer. The thermoplastic to which antistatic properties are imparted may be filled or unfilled and include, for example, styrenics, halogenated polymers, polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyurethanes, ABS copolymers, SAN copolymers, polysulfones, fluoropolymers, and rubbers. In a preferred embodiment, the composition also includes a hygroscopic or water soluble inorganic or organic salt synergist for the copolymer. |