Structural properties and impact fracture behavior of injection molded blends of liquid crystalline copolyester and modified poly(phenylene oxide)

Blends of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) with modified poly (phenylene oxide) (PPO) were injection molded. The morphology, tensile properties and dynamic mechanical behavior of the blends have been studied as a function of LCP content. Furthermore, the impact performance of these blends has been investigated by the instrumented Izod and Charpy falling weight tests. The critical strain energy release rate (G_IC) of the blends were determined and the G_IC values were found to be dependent on the LCP content. The results are discussed and explained in terms of materials morphology.