Synthesis of compatibilizers and characterization of the compatibilized and noncompatibilized blends of PP/Rodrun LC3000

Abstract

The addition of a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) to a matrix of a flexible thermoplastic (TP) has been used in the last two decades as an in situ reinforcement of the matrix. Owing to the immiscibility of the two phases and the high degree of orientation typical of LCPs, the dispersed phase is, after processing, essentially constituted by fibrillar structures, which are responsible for the reinforcement of the matrix and the decrease of viscosity with respect to the matrix. The low degree of adhesion typical of LCP/TP blends often requires the use of compatibilizers, which will act reducing the interfacial tension between the two components. In this work, we present the synthesis of three different compatibilizers, as well as the mechanical characterization of the corresponding compatibilized blends. Some scanning electron microphotographs will be also presented to better explain the mechanical results. The mechanical properties of these blends were compared with the noncompatibilized blend, as well as with the ones presented by blends obtained with two commercial compatibilizers, leading to the conclusion that, considering our compatibilizer C, the one that leads to the higher enhancement of the Young's modulus, when compared with the noncompatibilized blend, we obtain a Young's modulus 27% higher than the one presented by the noncompatibilized blend. Comparing this result with those presented by the blends compatibilized with the two commercial compatibilizers, D and E, we conclude that this enhancement is higher than those presented by those blends (increase in Young's modulus of 16% for both compatibilizers).