IN-SITU REINFORCEMENT IN BLENDS OF THERMOPLASTICS AND THERMOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

In-situ composites of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and a flexible matrix were processed into composite fibres, cast films and laminates. The TLCP was dispersed in the form of fine fibrils with very high aspect ratio, and gave mechanical reinforcement. The laminates possessed a reduced anisotropy of mechanical properties with respect to the cast films.