摘要 |
Novel self-reinforced polymer composites of a base polymer with a melt processable liquid crystal polymer are prepared according to this invention. The base polymer is a flexible chain polymer, e.g. a conventional thermoplastic. Polycarbonate is a particularly suitable base polymer. The liquld crystal polymer is melt processable, that is, it has a melting point and exhibits anisotropic properties in the melt phase. Wholly aromatic copolyesters are particularly suitable. Mixing is carried out at a temperature at which both the base polymer and the liquid crystal are melt processable, i.e., at a temperature at which the base polymer flows readily and the liquid crystal polymer is above its melting point. The products of this invention comprise about 2 to 20 percent by weight of liquid crystal polymer, which is in the form of essentially unidirectionally oriented continuous fibers primarily in the range of about 1 to 10 micrometers in diameter, distributed in a matrix of the base polymer. The polymer composites of this invention have high tensile strength in both the fiber direction and the transverse direction, and also have high modulus, satisfactory elongation, good impact strength, and good high temperature properties.
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