Processing and characterization of TLCP fibers reinforced by 1 wt% MWCNT.

A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) blend with 1 wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by melt compounding. Morphological observations of the blend show that the chemical-treated MWCNTs were well dispersed in the TLCP matrix with a good interface. MWCNTs have little effects on the thermal and rheological properties of pure TLCP. TLCP fibers with and without MWCNTs were prepared at certain drawing ratios by a melt spinning method. The degree of orientation of TLCP chains is enhanced by MWCNT micro-clusters during the fiber formation. The mechanical properties of TLCP/MWCNT fibers are significantly increased by 34.5 % for tensile strength and 38.0 % for tensile modulus in comparison with those of pristine TLCP fibers, due to the synergistic effects of MWCNT and TLCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]