Abstract: A main-chain liquid crystalline ionomer(MLCI) containing sulfonic group was synthesized by an interfacial condensation reaction. The MLCI was blended with polybutylene terephthalate(PBT) and polypropylene(PP). MLCI interacted with both the dispersed(PP) phase and the matrix(PBT) phase to modify the interfacial interaction of PBT and PP. Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and FTIR imaging system analysis demonstrated the significance of interfacial interaction in the polymer blends. MLCI brought about good adhesion at the interfacial, which reduced the disperse phase size and enabled a fine PP phase at matrix. The mechanical properties of the ternary blends were improved when a proper amount of MLCI was added. This was attributed to enhanced adhesion at the interface, which invoked better mechanical properties in the blends.

Key words: Poly(butylent terephthalat), Polypropylene, Main-chain liquid crystalline ionomer, Sulfonic group, Interfacial interaction