Liquid-crystal polymer

Solid LCP
Specific Gravity 1.38 to 1.95
Elasticity modulus (E) 8530 to 17200 MPa
Tensile strength (σt) 52.8 to 185 MPa
Tensile Elongation (%) 0.26 to 6.2
Notched Izod Impact 21.0 to 82.5 kJ/m2

Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are polymers with the property of liquid crystal, usually containing aromatic rings as mesogens. Despite uncrosslinked LCPs, polymeric materials like liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs)[1] and liquid crystal networks (LCNs) can exhibit liquid crystallinity as well. They are both crosslinked LCPs but have different cross link density.[2] They are widely used in the digital display market.[3] In addition, LCPs have unique properties like thermal actuation, anisotropic swelling, and soft elasticity. Therefore, they can be good actuators and sensors.[4] One of the most famous and classical applications for LCPs is Kevlar, a strong but light fiber with wide applications, notably bulletproof vests.   

  1. ^ Carroll, Gregory T.; Lee, Kyung Min; McConney, Michael E.; Hall, Harris J. (2023). "Optical control of alignment and patterning in an azobenzene liquid crystal photoresist". Journal of Materials Chemistry C. 11 (6): 2177–2185. doi:10.1039/D2TC04869H. ISSN 2050-7526. S2CID 256151872.
  2. ^ White, Timothy J.; Broer, Dirk J. (November 2015). "Programmable and adaptive mechanics with liquid crystal polymer networks and elastomers". Nature Materials. 14 (11): 1087–1098. Bibcode:2015NatMa..14.1087W. doi:10.1038/nmat4433. ISSN 1476-4660. PMID 26490216.
  3. ^ Liu, Danqing; Broer, Dirk J. (2014-04-22). "Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks: Preparation, Properties, and Applications of Films with Patterned Molecular Alignment". Langmuir. 30 (45): 13499–13509. doi:10.1021/la500454d. ISSN 0743-7463. PMID 24707811. S2CID 10109504.
  4. ^ Kularatne, Ruvini S.; Kim, Hyun; Boothby, Jennifer M.; Ware, Taylor H. (2017). "Liquid crystal elastomer actuators: Synthesis, alignment, and applications". Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics. 55 (5): 395–411. Bibcode:2017JPoSB..55..395K. doi:10.1002/polb.24287. ISSN 1099-0488.