High Performance Polymers and Their Nanocomposites

Chapter 2Liquid Crystal Polymers

Andreea Irina Barzic, Raluca Marinica Albu and Luminita Ioana Buruiana^*

“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania

*Corresponding author: [e-mail]

Abstract

Liquid crystal materials based on polymers represent an important topic in current research. This chapter presents some introductive notions, including the history of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs). An important issue is the obtaining method of these compounds, so the main synthesis routes are described. In order to understand the solution properties of LCPs, some rheological aspects are highlighted, together with some basic characteristics in solid phase, such as dielectric behavior, magnetic properties, mechanical resistance, and phase morphology. The features of LCPs are also affected by the applied processing methodology. In this context, the chapter briefly presents basic aspects concerning injection molding, extrusion, free surface flow, and LCP fiber spinning. The practical importance of blends and composites with LCP phase is emphasized in various industrial areas, such as optoelectronics, displays, sensors, and actuators. Several essential aspects that regard environmental impact and recycling concerns are disclosed. Analyzing the high demands for products based on LCPs, the corresponding market is expected to expand, but still efforts must be made to improve their performance and reduce the costs.

Keywords: Liquid crystals, rheology, dielectric ...