Study on compatibilization of polypropylene liquid crystalline polymer blends

The mechanical properties, melt rheology, and morphology of binary blends comprised of two polypropylene (PP) grades and two liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) have been studied. Compatibilization with polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) has been attempted. A moderate increase in the tensile moduli and no enhancements in tensile strength have been revealed. Those findings have been attributed to the morphology of the blends, which is predominantly of the disperse mode. LCP fibers responsible for mechanical reinforcement were only exceptionally evidenced. Discussion of PP-LCP interfacial characteristics with respect to mechanical properties-morphology interrelations allowed evaluation of the compatibilizing efficiency of PP-g-MAH. Factors important for successful reinforcement of PP with LCP have been specified. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.