TOUGHENING EPOXY-RESINS BY LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

Toughening epoxy resins can be achieved by blending a low percentage of Liquid Crystalline Polymer with the thermoset. The processing technique consists of the spinning of blends of a thermoplastic (Ardel) with the LCP (PET/PHB60). The bundled filaments are subsequently dissolved in the uncured epoxy resin (Epon 825). After curing, the LCP phase separates from the matrix in the form of microfibers with a very high aspect ratio, which act as crack stoppers and improve fracture toughness of the material.