Effect of Processing Variables on The Magnetic Field Orientation of Liquid Crystalline Thermosets

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe have investigated the effect of various processing variables on the magnetic field orientation of a liquid crystalline epoxy. By using a modified fractional factorial design, we created an empirical model which can be used to predict the degree of orientation as a function of these variables. The model predicts the correct qualitative trends, namely that orientation increases with increasing magnetic field strength, increases with increasing time in the field, and decreases with increasing B-staging. The model also reveals some surprising effects of B-staging on the degree of orientation.