A possible compatibilization method in thermoplastic/liquid crystalline polymer blends based on the development of interchange reactions between the components of the blends has been tested in the case of the blends of Rodrun (Ro) with a miscible 80/20 poly(ether imide) (PEI)/polyarylate (Phr) thermoplastic matrix. The interchange reactions between PAr and Ro modified the nature of the PAr miscibilized in PEI, improving the adhesion between the modified matrix and Ro as seen by the improved ductility of the blends with 20% Ro. This indicated an additional compatibilization of the blend. The additional compatibilization was not able to overcome the brittle nature of the Ro at large Ro contents (40%), but in the case of the 20% Ro blends, led to blends with overall improved mechanical properties compared to those of the reference blends without additional time in the melt state. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.