The deformation and breakup of thermotropic （热变形和破裂）.pdf

J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., 80 (1999) 199–216 The deformation and break-up of thermotropic co-polyester droplets in a molten polypropylene matrix subjecting to oscillatory simple shear and entry flow P. Gao a,*, M.R. Mackley b, D.F. Zhao c a Department of Chemical Engineering, The Hong Kong Uniersity of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong b Department of Chemical Engineering, Uniersity of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, UK c Montell Australia Pty Limited, Refinery Road, Corio Victoria 3214, Australia Received 10 December 1997; received in revised form 6 March 1998 Abstract In this paper, we report experimental optical observations on the deformation, possible breakup and coalescence of molten thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) embedded in a molten polypropylene matrix. Both simple oscillatory shear and extensional flow deformations are considered. In the case of oscillatory simple shear, different regimes of deformation and filament formation are observed. In one case, stable filaments form by an accumulated strain effect. In the second case, extended unstable filaments are formed mainly by filament coalescence. It is found that the coalescence of droplets occurs by droplets migrating towards each other. The low pressure produced behind the droplets during flow was thought to be the driving force for the droplets alignment and migration. Experiments on droplets deformation and relaxation in extensional entry flow experiments are also presented, and from the data presented in the paper it is possible to establish general conditions for the formation and survival of TLCP filaments in a thermoplast