Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) as processing aids and reinforcing agents. A study of nylon 6/LCP blends

Abstract

Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) as Processing Aids and Reinforcing Agents. A Study of Nylon 6 / LCP BlendsLiquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are a new class of polymeric materials that present very interesting chemical and physical ~roperties.'-~In particular, low viscosity and long range molecular orientation are their most important features.Among physical properties, the values of modulus and stiffness are very An interesting use of these polymers is to blend them with conventional thermoplastic materials in order to achieve blends easily processable and with improved mechanical properties?-"Indeed, some authors 7-9 noticed that the adding of small amount of LCPs gives rise not only to an improvement of the main mechanical properties, but also to a reduction of the viscosity and then of the energy necessary to the processing with respect to the neat polymer.In this work the effect of small amounts of a commercial thermotropic copolyesteramide, made from Celanese, on the mechanical and processing characteristics of a polyamide 6 is studied.In particular, the energy necessary to extrude these blends is considera.