The effect of mixing shear rate on the properties of liquid crystalline polymer/polyethylene terephthalate blends

The effect of mixing speed of a batch mixer on the properties of liquid crystalline polymer/polyethylene terepthalate (LCP/PET) blends is investigated through two techniques: scanning electron micrographs to examine morphological changes, and tensile testing to determine the mechanical property dependence of the degree of mixing. The results of the two methodologies are well correlated, indicating that the increased degree of mixing of the blend, which is a function of the mixing speed, can be related directly to improved mechanical properties. The results are discussed in the light of existing theories on polymer mixing. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1783–1787, 2000