Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Liquid-Crystal Polymer Applications

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Liquid-Crystal Polymer?

A liquid crystal polymer is a material that retains molecular order in both liquid and solid states. Specifically, the transition from order to disorder during the melting of an LCP occurs well above the temperature at which it loses its fully crystallized structure. 


This effectively means that the material has two distinct melting points or, more accurately, two-phase changes. The first phase change takes it from solid to liquid crystal and the next from liquid crystal to a full liquid. The phase between liquid and crystal is referred to as the mesophase and the specific molecules that can form a mesophase are termed mesogens. LCPs can be divided into two main categories, namely lyotropic systems and thermotropic systems.


Lyotropic systems - A liquid crystal that appears with the addition of a solvent.

Thermotropic system - A liquid crystal that appears when heated.

A liquid-crystal polymer is a polymer in which the various mesogen molecules link to form long polymeric chains.


Most commercial LCPs incorporate p-hydroxybenzoic acid as one of the monomers that build molecular chains through various condensation methods. Monomer additives such as bisphenol are then introduced into the p-HBA to lower processing temperatures and allow for easier manufacturing. In addition to these monomers, fillers can be added to the material to further enhance its properties. These fillers can include graphite, fiberglass, or carbon. 


Electrical connectors: LCP plastic can be used to manufacture conductive electrical connectors. They function to eliminate static build-ups and discharges that would otherwise create noise interference in electrical signals.

Vascular catheter reinforcement braiding: Vascular catheters with LCP plastic braiding can be important for patients undergoing MRI scans. Catheters with metallic braiding would interact with the magnetic field generated by the machine.

Surgical instruments: Surgical instruments are sterilized after use via radiation. LCPs are ideal for this because they can withstand the radiation without breaking down.


Cookware coatings : Cookware with non-stick surfaces need to withstand the high-temperature environment of the stove as well as the corrosive effects of dishwashers and acidic foods. LCPs can withstand temperatures up to 280℃ and the coating is not harmed by dishwasher machines. 


source:xometry.com

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