Abstract - We investigated a simple method for measuring
the extensional viscosity of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer:
disintegration of liquid crystalline polymer threads in a quiescent
polymer matrix. The method is based on the dynamic interfacial tension
between the two components, and covers strain-rate and strain ranges
that are very low. Results obtained by the method show extensional rate
thinning behavior and strain-hardening behavior. The trends are in
agreement with previous measurements using other methods such as fiber
spinning. We recommend the thread disintegration method for measuring
extensional viscosity at small extensional rates and small strains.