Liquid crystalline epoxy resin (LCE) modify cyanate ester/epoxy resin blend systems were studied by scanning electron microscope, polarizing optical microscope, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal mechanical analysis, and rheometers. With the addition of LCE resin, the blends showed both an enhanced curing rate and increased glass transition temperature of cured samples. The phase structures of the blends changed from homogenous to liquid crystalline phase when the content of LCE was increased. At the same time, the mechanical properties were also improved and thermal expansion coefficients were lowed down. The thermal degradation temperatures showed little differences, while the residue char yields were slightly increased with the addition of LCE. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.