Mechanical and rheological properties of liquid crystalline PHB/PEN/PET blends

Mechanical and theological properties of blends of a para hydroxy benzoate ethylene terephthalate copolyester TLCP (PHB 80 / PET 20 mole%) with Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) and Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were investigated. Torque values of blends with increasing PHB content abruptly decreased above 40 wt% of PHB content because the melt viscosity of ternary blends were decreased. Tensile strength and tensile modulus of blends containing above 30 wt% PHB were improved with increasing PHB content due to the formation of fibrous structure. The blend of 40 wt% PHB showed pseudo LC phase, and mechanical property was improved with thermal treatment. Rheological property changes with shear rate and processing temperature will be presented.