Study on the properties of PVDF/LCP blending membranes

In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride/liquid crystal polymer (PVDF/LCP) blending membranes were prepared via phase-inversion. LCP is ethyl cellulose (EC) dissolved into acrylic acid (AA). The properties of these blends were measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing microscope. The results indicate that LCP formed at the concentration of 0.60g/ml and the blends begin to be observed the presence of liquid crystal. Moreover, at a certain temperature range, higher temperature can quicken the formation of liquid crystal. With the adding of LCP, the cholesteric liquid crystal can be still retained in the blending membranes, but the solution enthalpy decreased.