Effect of nucleating agents on morphology of liquid crystal polymers

Nucleation is of fundamental importance in crystallization. It is generally admitted that nucleation in polymers is predominantly of heterogeneous type and that crystallization from the melt initiates the heterogeneity such as catalyst residues and residual crystal fragments. A few organic nucleating agents have been developed which generally melt along with the polymer while being processed. In the present study, the mechanism of action of sodium benzoate, an organic nucleating agent, on crystallization of the liquid crystalline polymers and its effect on the morphology of the polymers has been investigated.