Flame-retarded polyphenylene ether composition and method of making same

Polyphenylene ether (PPE) compositions with good fire and flame-retardant characteristics utilize lower levels of organophosphate fire-retardant, and therefore do not suffer from the drawbacks of previously known fire- and flame-retardant PPE compositions. The compositions include(a) a polymer component containing at least 50% of a polyphenylene ether;(b) glass reinforcing fibers in an amount sufficient to increase the modulus and strength of the polymer component;(c) a fire retardant component which is preferably an organophosphate fire retardant;(d) an organoclay component in an amount effective to enhance the flame-retardant characteristics of the composition; and(e) a mineral component. Other conventional additives utilized in formulation of PPE may be included. The composition is made by mixing the ingredients and compounding into a composition which is suitable for injection molding. This composition can be used in the manufacture of injection molded articles such as electronic components, including television internals such as deflection yokes; printer chassis and plastic pallets.