The enhancing effect of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer PBPCS on epoxy resin

The mixtures of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCP) and epoxy resin (E-51) have been prepared in a certain proportion. The category of the MJLCP is poly{2, 5-bis[(4-butoxyphenyl) oxycarbonyl] styrenes} (PBPCS). Methyl tetrahydro phthalic anhydride (MeTHPA) is served as a curing agent, and N, N-dimethylbenzylamine plays the role of catalyst. Then, based on the curing process, the modified materials have been acquired by casting molding. The effect of PBPCS's improvement has been researched through the mechanical properties test, dynamic thermal mechanical test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that PBPCS could apparently improve the mechanical properties of resin E-51. Compared with unmodified materials, the elongation at break and the tensile strength of PBPCS have been improved remarkably through modification. Both mechanical properties of the 4wt% PBPCS/E-51/MeTHPA were enhanced by 48% and 153% separately, and the characteristics of the 3wt% one were raised by 47% and 19% respectively. Also, the ductile fracture morphology of the resins was exhibited in SEM photograph clearly.