Dynamic mechanical behavior of LCP fiber/glass fiber-reinforced LLDPE composites

Liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) fibers and glass fibers have been used to reinforce linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by using an elastic melt extruder and the compression molding technique. The impact behavior of hybrid composites of different composition is compared and is explained on the basis of the volume fraction of the fibers. Addition of glass fibers decreases the Izod impact strength of LLDPE. Title impact strength of the composites increases when glass fibers are replaced by LCP fibers. Dynamic mechanical alpha and beta relaxations are studied and the effect of variation of fiber composition on these relaxations is reported in the temperature range from -50 to 150 degreesC at 1 Hz frequency. alpha relaxation shifts toward higher temperatures with addition of fibers in LLDPE. Addition of fibers increases the storage modulus of LLDPE.