Cowoven polypropylene/glass composites with polypropylene + polymer liquid crystal interlayers: Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis

Abstract Simultaneous macroscopic and molecular reinforcement of polypropylene with glass fibers and Polymer Liquid Crystals (PLCs) is evaluated. Interlayers of polypropylene (PP) + poly(ethylene terephthalate) /0.6 p‐hydroxybenzoic acid PLC blends are introduced between the cowoven polypropylene + glass fiber plies. Analysis was conducted using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results indicate that low fractions of PLC material in the composite have dual benefits of increased rigidity and toughness. The crystallization kinetics are influenced by the dual nucleating effects of both reinforcing agents. A decrease in crystallinity is associated with increasing PLC presence. Degradation kinetics of the composites demonstrate only one kinetic step in contrast to the interlayers alone.