Characterization of a new liquid crystal polymer / Titanium dioxide composite material

This research characterizes the material which is used in High Brightness Light Emitting Diode applications. It also makes an effort towards understanding the particle size distribution on the surface and how it affects the reflectance of the surface in molded part. Titanium dioxide pigments are used in molding compounds as a means to improve opacity by increasing the scattering efficiency of the medium. The light reflected back from the surface of the injection molded part depends on the particle size distribution of Titanium dioxide pigments. One of the fundamental investigations carried out was a study of particle size distribution on the surface of the injection molded parts. After using several different characterizing techniques it was observed that particle size as well as their distribution (Interparticle distance) in polymer matrix plays an important role in reflecting the light back from the surface.;In order to characterize the particle size distribution on the surface of the molded part, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) is used for imaging. Image analysis method has been developed using Matlab and ImageJ softwares. Quantitative measures of the particle distribution of Titanium dioxide pigments in polymer composites have been experimentally determined, including area fraction, average diameter, Interparticle distance, and diameter volume.;Different optical techniques were used to understand the light scattering phenomenon by Titanium dioxide particle in composite material. Theory about light scattering from particle was developed based on experimental data and MIE theory.