LIQUID-CRYSTAL POLYMERS: IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN.

Abstract

For many years, design engineers have longed for a way to achieve the high strength, stability, and low weight of thermoset composite materials without the necessity for time-consuming, labor-intensive fabrication and curing processes. A new class of commercial resins, known generically as thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) appears to fill the bill for a growing range of electronics, aerospace, defense, chemical processing, and other highly demanding applications. This article discusses the materials, including their molecular characteristics, mechanical properties, processability, reinforcements and fillers.