Polycarbonate/TLCP Blends: Compatibilization, Barrier and Bond Characteristics

Abstract Blends of polycarbonate and VectraTM liquid crystal polymer, at 88/12 weight ratios, have been prepared at temperatures ranging from 240–340°C. Inverse gas chromatographic data show that the bulk penetration of non-polar as well as polar vapors is significantly lowered in blends prepared above about 300°C. IGC data also report a surface excess of the TLCP component which was found to have a lower dispersion surface tension than the host polymer. The bond strength of PC/TLCP lap shear joints prepared over the noted temperature range increases monotonically with temperature, but a pronounced added change occurs in the 290–300°C interval. The results are consistent with earlier reports that at T ⩾ 300°C PC and TLCP can interact only through dispersion (L/W) forces. Accordingly, it is apparent that a processability window exists for the blends in which the compatibility of the host and added polymer is enhanced, with repercussions on diffusion and bond characteristics.