Coinjection molded pregenerated microcomposites

This work was concerned with the coinjection molding of poly(ethylene terep hthalate) (PET) reinforced with pregenerated thermotropic liquid crystallin e polymer (TLCP) fibrils, where the TLCP (DuPont, HX1000) had a higher melt processing temperature than PET. A novel dual extrusion process was used t o spin strands of PET reinforced with HX1000 fibrils. The strands were comp ression molded into cartridges and then coinjection molded to form plaques. In comparison to conventionally injection molded pregenerated microcomposi tes, coinjection molded composites had higher flexural moduli. The coinject ion molded composites also had smoother surfaces than glass fiber-filled PE T. It was determined that the best mechanical properties were achieved usin g a core of glass fiber-filled PET.