Influence of processing conditions on the morphological development and final mechanical properties of PP/LCP blends

Abstract

The main aim of this work is to study the influence of the application of different processing conditions on the morphological and mechanical properties of thermoplastic/ LCP blends, in which the viscosity ratios are inferior to unity and decrease with increasing temperature. The way the microstructure evolves along the extruder determines the final morphology and thus, the mechanical performance of the systems. In the present case, the mechanical properties are related with the degree of fibrillation in the final composites. The best degree of fibrillation was obtained for low screw speeds and temperatures and for intermediate outputs. The use of high screw speeds and processing temperatures results in a decrease of the viscosity ratio, in the former case via an increase in the viscous dissipation, at the regions of higher shear rates (kneading-elements). The application of a lower processing temperature is advantageous for deformation, break-up, and fibrillar formation because of the higher viscosity ratios and higher shear stresses involved.