In Situ Composites Based on Thermotropic and Flexible Polymers

Blends of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and a thermoplastic matrix were compounded. Upon subsequent injection moulding and spinning, the TLCP was deformed into fine fibrils in the matrix, giving in-situ reinforcement. Especially after spinning, the composite fibres contain fibrils with very high aspect ratio, and exhibit mechanical properties in accordance with simple composite models for modulus and strength.