Abstract: The present invention provides carbonized pitch articles and methods for producing the same. Synthetic mesophase pitch is mixed with partially anisotropic pitch, which may be selected from heat-soaked isotropic pitch and heat-soaked mixtures of isotropic pitch and mesophase pitch. In producing carbon moldings, the mesophase pitch is first stabilized to make it at least partially infusible, prior to mixing. In producing carbon fibers, the mesophase pitch will not typically be stabilized before mixing, rather, the resultant pitch fiber, produced from the mixture, will be stabilized by oxidation and air. The resultant fibers and moldings are carbonized according to conventional methods.

Abstract: A multi-layered article includes a first nonconductive layer containing a base polymer and, optionally, a nonconductive filler, and a second conductive layer, set forth so as to be a surface of the article and containing a base polymer and a conductive material and, optionally, a nonconductive filler, wherein the base polymers have essentially the same molecular structure of repeating units and wherein the mechanical properties of the first and second layers are essentially the same. Method for the production of such a multi-layered article including the steps of forming the layers using injection molding, extrusion, or blow molding techniques are also provided.

Abstract: Self-reinforced polymer composites of about 98-2% by weight of a mixture of polystyrene and poly(phenylene oxide) and about 2%-98% by weight of a melt processable wholly aromatic polyester which exhibit anisotropic properties in the melt phase. This wholly aromatic polyester is a liquid crystal polymer, or LCP. The composite contains predominantly unidirectionally oriented fibers primarily in the range of about 1 to 10 micrometers in diameter formed in situ, from the wholly aromatic polyester, distributed in a polymer matrix of the mixture. The polymer composites of this invention have high tensile strength, high modulus, satisfactory elongation, good impact strength, and good high temperature properties, especially at LCP amounts of 40% by weight and upwards.

Abstract: Blend of two or more thermotropic liquid crystal polymers and process for preparing same. Blends of this invention contain at least two, preferably only two, thermotropic liquid crystal polymers which are melt processable. These liquid crystal polymers are wholly aromatic polyesters. At least two polymers in the blend are processable in the melt phase and phase separated in the solid phase. Solid reinforcing agents may be present, but are not necessary and in any case must be in the solid phase at temperatures at which the blend is melt processable. Products of this invention are formed in the melt phase under high strain conditions.

Abstract: An open work web of a polymer blend of a thermoplastic base or matrix polymer and a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is formed by preparing a melt blend of the base polymer and a liquid crystal polymer, continuously extruding a continuous web of said blend under melt conditions, allowing the web to cool as it passes over a succession of rolls including a pair of knit rolls which are driven at a speed faster than the speed at which the web is formed, so that the web is stretched or drawn and converted from a continuous web into an open work web comprising polymer blend fibers with interstices between the fibers. It is believed that these polymer blend fibers comprise microscopic fibers of the LCP in a matrix of the base polymer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer blends comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and 1-20% by weight of a water insoluble alkyl cellulose exhibit improved mechanical properties compared to the unblended thermoplastic elastomer. The preferred thermoplastic blend of end polypropylene elastomer is EPDM. The preferred concentrations are 2.5-15%, most preferably 5-12%, all percentages being by weight based on total polymer content. The blends are formed by high shear mixing at a temperature at which both materials are melt processible. The alkyl cellulose in the product is present as domains which are essentially uniformly dispersed in a thermoplastic elastomer matrix.