Journal of Materials Science, Vol.30, No.2, 473-480, 1995
The Effects of Temperature and Liquid-Crystalline Polymer (Lcp) on Mechanical-Properties of a Blend of Polyphenylene Sulfide and Lcp
The mechanical properties of polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends were investigated over a range of temperatures. The effect of blend composition on the brittle-ductile transition temperature (B-D) was also studied by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Blends of various compositions (PPS/LCP; 90/10, 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75) were prepared and injection moulded. The bending test temperature was varied between -40 and 150 degrees C. The results showed a rapid load drop at the B-D transition region. The B-D transition temperature occurred in unannealed pure PPS, 90/10, 25/75 and 50/50 blends around 75 degrees C whilst in the annealed sample it was observed around 100 degrees C. In pure LCP and 25/75, no transition occurred. Partial miscibility of PPS and LCP was confirmed by SEM observations, bending modulus and thermal properties. The use of LCP, as a good reinforcing agent which can improve processability and modulus, is discussed.