Reinforcement-viscosity influence factor

In order to maximize blend properties, three factors must be controlled LCP domain orientation, LCP domain morphology (geometry), and interfacial adhesion. The first two factors depend on the rheology of the matrix and reinforcement phase and on the deformation fields to which they are exposed. As with neat LCPs, extensional flow fields have a greater influence on orientation than do shear fields. The LCP should ideally have an equal or lower viscosity than the matrix to ensure deformation. 

The fibrillation of LCPs in thermoplastic melts is influenced by several parameters, including the thermal characteristics of the component polymers and their compatibility, and processing parameters such as viscosity ratio, melt temperature, flow mode, and shear rate. Among these parameters, thermal characteristics of LCPs are basic factors for the formation of LCP fibrils. They should have the matched processing window with the matrix resin, when the former is in the liquid crystal state. It has been found that the spinnability of LCPs can be taken as a prerequisite for the accomplishment of submicrometer reinforcing with LCP fibrils [18]. 

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