TSCPFLCP is a polysiloxane grafted with thermotropic fluorinated mesogens, which when blended with LLDPE reduces melt torque, broadens the processing window, ameliorates melt fracture, and enhances mechanical properties. The TSCPFLCP exhibits a smectic liquid crystal phase and high thermal decomposition temperature. These improvements are achieved at a low concentration of 0.5 wt% TSCPFLCP, indicating its effectiveness as a processing aid for LLDPE. The researchers were able to use a Linkam THMS600E stage to investigate the temperature-dependent texture of the polymer.
Multi-scale thermal stability of a hard thermoplastic protein-based material
Macroscopic CNT fibres inducing non-epitaxial nucleation and orientation of semicrystalline polymers
Retardation of cold flow in immiscible rubber blends by tailoring their microstructures
Enhancement of Mechanical and Self‐Healing Performance in Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Rubber Composites via Diels–Alder Bonding
Flow-induced crystallisation of polymers from aqueous solution using Linkam’s CSS450
Researchers used Linkam’s CSS450 to replicate the mechanical properties of natural silk by creating a synthetic polymer that solidifies when subject to flow. Using temperature-controlled shear in the aqueous phase they induce polymer crystallisation, providing an alternative low-energy polymer processing route.
Inorganic Nanotube Mesophases Enable Strong Self-Healing Fibres
Using Linkam’s mechanical testing system to investigate the reductive dissolution of supergrowth carbon nanotubes for tougher nanocomposites by reactive coagulation spinning
Researchers used Linkam’s TST350, now MFS to image and measure the tensile properties of nanocomposite samples synthesised by coagulation spinning using carbon nanotubes.