Aramid molecules are dispersed in the conventional polymers finely and uniformly in a state of molecules, microfibrils, fibrils or filaments by various methods such as coprecipitation from a common solvent. Very small fraction of rigid component as low as less than 5 % shows an outstanding reinforcing effect on the matrix polymers, when the rigid component forms a quasi-3-dimensional lattice. Based on this model, the anisotropy of modulus was reasonably explained. Typical examples of molecular

more »

... omposites are the system of Aramid molecules or their block copolymers/aliphatic nylons, the system of Aramid molecules/NBR or PVC, and the system of surface-modified Kevlar fiber/lonomer. A new type of self-reinforcing system is realized by using rigid molecules without liquid-crystal formation.