To promote these characteristics, fibers are treated during manufacture with mixtures of sizing and coupling agents. The optimization of a given coating is complicated by the fact that individual components often perform more than one function. The analysis is of value in the optimization of commercial fiber treatments. Melt spinning and cold drawing processes have been investigated as a means of forming in situ LCP fibers in the thermoplastic matrices. The mechanical properties of these composites have been measured and correlated to the extent of interaction between components.
Thermoplastics are most often incompatible with highly aromatic LCPs.
This results in weak interfaces between the LCP fibers and the thermoplastic matrix and poor composite properties. Many of these combinations, however, are susceptible to transesterification, which provides a means of coupling the two phases chemically. Investigations are underway to determine the effect of transesterification during melt blending on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The unique properties of particle and fiber reinforced composites could be beneficial in a wide range of dental clinical procedures. In particular, fiber reinforced materials could be used as prosthodontic frameworks, orthodontic retainers, periodontal splints, orthodontic archwires or other appliances that incorporate wires, bars or rods which span multiple teeth or tooth spaces.