Liquid crystal polymer. These materials have many unique and desirable traits including exceptional mechanical strength, heat tolerance for autoclaving, and chemical inertness. 95 Modulus (E) 8530 to 17200 MPa Tensile strength (σt) 52. For instance, liquid crystal polymers can serve as drug nanocarriers, forming cubic or hexagonal mesophases, which can be tailored for controlled drug release. ; Zhou, Q. tunability and biocompatibility characteristics. Liquid crystals are highly structured liquids, with the orientational (nematic, cholesteric) and positional (smectic) order of constituent molecules. ' Richard E. e. According to the conditions of liquid crystal formation, LCPs are typically classified into two categories, i. This is why LCP's are considered as self-reinforcing polymers. Recently, dynamic bonds capable to reversibly break and Mar 13, 2025 · The advent of reactive liquid crystal (LC) mesogens inspired the LC scientific community by enabling the development of LC polymer (LCP) in its monomer-primed (LCN) and oligomer-primed (LCON) variants, revealing an inspiring host of potential applications for LCs beyond display technologies. One end of the molecule (the hydrocarbon tail) is attracted to oil, while the other end (the polar head Precision Molding with High Performance Vectra® LCP Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is an advanced polymer that ofers exceptional processing and per-formance. This review focuses on recent developments in the chemistry of side chain liquid crystal polymers. Liquid-crystal polymers are present in melted/liquid or solid form (Callister 2007). Soap can form a type of smectic known as a lamellar phase, also called neat soap. Jan 1, 1991 · (2) LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMERS 71 Semirigid, or semiflexible polymers (first category of Table 3) which, though highly extended compared to conventional random coiling polymers, neverthe- less possess a significant flexibility, may also impart liquid crystallinity to their solutions. Abstract—Liquid crystals polymers (LCPs) are aromatic polymers with unique properties which enable their us-age in various applications. Find out their properties, uses, and types, such as main chain, side chain, and composite LCPs. A combination of characterization techniques are required. Composite films composed of LCs and polymers have provided a new field of LC science and technology and have Dec 5, 2022 · Liquid crystal polymers are utilized in consumer, medical, and food packaging, making packaging the third-largest market for these materials. Coates, D, Liquid Crystal Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, iSmithers Rapra, 2000. A liquid crystalline polymer contains rigid rod like structure as discussed earlier which forms the liquid crystal phases. In the late 1970s Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCPs) were discovered and there was great excitement amongst the polymer science community and chemical companies that the mechanical properties of LCPs would be superior to conventional polymers. I am delighted to see that this new edition contains additional material which is completely up-to-date and includes the newest liquid crystal-forming polymer of all, the carbon nanotube. Though high in cost, LCPs have high strength and stability. Explore the intriguing world of Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), its chemistry, properties, manufacturing, applications, and future prospects. g. Nov 15, 2024 · Liquid crystal network (LCN) is a kind of crosslinked polymer network in combination with anisotropic order of liquid crystals and elastic properties of polymer network 6, 7, 8. Introduction A liquid crystal is a kind of intermediate-state material combining the fluidity of a liquid with the ordering of a crystal [1, 2, 3]. It notes that liquid crystals have properties between solids and liquids, with some positional and orientational order. These polymers consist of rigid, rod-like macromolecules. It concentrates on current trends in synthetic methods and novel, well defined structures, supramolecular arrangements, properties, and applications. Dec 1, 2022 · Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), comprised of submicron-sized LC droplets embedded in a continuous polymer matrix, have been the subject of interest for scientists and manufacturers owing to their promise for optoelectronic applications. Using the wash out – refill technique, where a network is formed, the liquid crystal is washed out and the network refilled with a different liquid crystal material produces devices which are largely dominated by the Mar 28, 2023 · Liquid-crystal polymers debuted in the mid-1980s, but the history of the chemistry associated with this class of materials actually starts a century earlier. The type of molecular order is controlled by the shape and chirality of liquid crystal molecules, with over one hundred known liquid crystal phases. , thermotropic LCPs and 1 Introduction Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) is a unique class of high-performance polymer that exhibits liquid crystalline behavior when heated or dissolved in solvents. In this state, the polymer chains align in an ordered, anisotropic way, combining the characteristics of crystallinity and molecular orientation. find many crystalline processors, applications peculiar thermal state is aelectro behaviour of cholesteryl benzoate esters [1,2]. Liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) are a relatively unique class of partially crystalline aromatic polyesters based on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and related monomers shown in Fig. Learn about liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), polymers with the property of liquid crystal, usually containing aromatic rings as mesogens. LCPs can be used in valuable widespread applications such as energy storage, high-performance polymer fibers, actuators, information technologies Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are halogen-free and inherently flame-retardant high-performance polymers with very good heat resistance for thin-walled applications with exceptionally precise and stable dimensions as well as high tensile strength and high tensile modulus. Nano-PDLCs can induce birefringence by applying an electric field (E-field) based on the reorientation of the LC molecules. In this case it is important to recognize that soap molecules have a dual chemical nature. Typically, LCPs have SUMMARY Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), a high performance engineering plastic, is partially crystalline aromatic polyester based on p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and other related monomers. These composite materials are composed of droplets of liquid crystals interspersed in a matrix of polymeric materials, harnessing the optical properties of liquid crystals while benefiting from Sep 4, 2024 · Liquid crystal (LC)-based research and its technological output vary from daily-use personal electronics and flat panels to switchable optical devices such as sensors. Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are a family of polymers known for their high strength, temperature resistance, and unique liquid crystalline structure which gives them both fluid and solid properties. 26 to 6. Here, a thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) is reported as a candidate material with extrusion 3D printing. 2 The subject of liquid crystals and their use in electronic displays and in non-linear optical systems has become of tremendous importance during the last decade; and the incorporation of liquid crystal units into polymeric materials has led to a group of new materials with diverse properties. May 17, 2022 · Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are a class of advanced polymers that retain a highly ordered molecular structure both in their solid and liquid phases. Abstract Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are a class of polymers that show liquid crystal phase, they show both anisotropic properties which originate from mesogenic units and good mechanical properties which come from long-chain structures. ABSTRACT: Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) stand at the intersection of polymer science and liquid crystal technology, ofering a unique blend of optical versatility and mechanical durability. For the further development of smart clothing and wearable electronics PREFACE The subject of liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) transcends classical polymer chemistry and physics, and it extends tile conventional boundaries of theology and processing. The LCPC network exhibits a random distribution, forming a non-uniform and stochastic Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) is a type of aromatic thermoplastic with a unique molecular structure, exhibiting excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Its fabrication is based on the phase separation process that occurs after UV exposure, which results in an interwoven network structure between the liquid crystal and the polymer (more details in Sec. Aug 14, 2024 · Liquid crystal polymers are one type of liquid crystal material, combining their intrinsic properties with polymeric flexibility for advanced applications in displays and smart materials. Vectra liquid crystal polymers are a family of highperfor-mance plastics based on patented Celanese technology. Liquid crystal - Polymers, Phases, Mesophases: Liquid-crystal-forming compounds are widespread and quite diverse. Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are polymers that display the properties of liquid crystals under certain conditions. In he perceived polymers. LCPs are herein discussed, in particular their molecular structures and phases, which posses unique properties i. refractive index LCPs – liquid crystal polymers – are thermoplastic resins which exhibit unique properties. The attainable shapes and topographies open exciting possibilities for novel applications in a wide range of different fields such as microfluidics, artificial muscles, haptics, and optical functions. These composite materials are composed of droplets of liquid crystals interspersed in a matrix of polymeric materials, harnessing the optical properties of liquid crystals while benefiting from Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are now highly focused by researchers due to their improved thermal properties, mechanical strength, excellent dielectric strength, resistance to solvents, better dimensional stability, and gas barrier properties. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that exhibit large and reversible deformations or significant structural color changes have emerged as highly competitive candidates in the field of smart materials. Find out how LCPs are used in various industries, such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and medical devices, and what safety measures to observe when handling them. However, the degree of order is somewhat less than that of a regular solid crystal. This paper describes the relevant principles and methods, the basic structure–property relationships in terms of mesogenic properties of the monomers, and the mechanical and optical properties of the polymers. Nov 7, 2024 · Here, the authors report the photoinduced deformation of liquid-crystalline polymer films with high spatial selectivity via a two-photon absorption process. Properties of these new materials are, on the one hand, reminiscent of amorphous metals, while simultaneously exhibiting attributes of organic single crystals. This brochure provides some basic part design, tooling and molding guidelines so those who Oct 1, 2020 · The liquid crystalline state of lyotropic liquid crystal polymer is formed in solution, while the liquid crystal state of TLCP is formed in melt or above glass transition temperature [2]. Learn about the definition, types, structure, and characteristics of liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs), a class of polymers with anisotropic properties and high performance. These special molecules have even been found in biological molecules including DNA and micelles. They can exist in nematic, smectic, and cholesteric phases. Liquid crystal polymer LCP Specific Gravity 1. To meet the growing demands of lightweight wearable devices, it is crucial that electric-driven PSLCs not only maintain high off-state transparency but also achieve lower working voltages. Feb 14, 2025 · Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning from isotropic and biphasic poly (γ-benzyl- L -glutamate) (PBLG)/dichloromethane-pyridine solutions. We begin by briefly reviewing two different existing polymer materials, one with high volume, excellent processability, and commercial impact (polyurethanes), the other with stimuli responsive functional properties (liquid 液晶ポリマー （えきしょうポリマー、 英：Liquid Crystal Polymerまたは 英：Liquid Crystal Plastic、 略： LCP）のうち サーモトロピック型 に属するものは、溶融状態で分子の直鎖が規則正しく並んだ 液晶 様性質を示す、 熱可塑性樹脂 に属する 合成樹脂 の総称と定義される。厳密には、パラヒドロキシ Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are high performance polymers that feature a unique molecular structure that consists of rigid, rod-like macromolecules. fi They exhibit a combination of properties of liquid and solid crystal leading to distinct behavior. IV). We categorize the technology according to the mechanism, focusing on Nov 5, 2020 · Liquid crystal polymer systems have been designed to respond to various stimuli such as heat, light, pH, humidity, and electric and magnetic fields. Dec 5, 2022 · Liquid crystal polymers are utilized in consumer, medical, and food packaging, making packaging the third-largest market for these materials. Liquid-crystal molecules tend to be elongated and to orient in specific directions There are different strategies to make high thermal conductive polymers, among which is the synthesis of polymers in the liquid crystal phase. Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have gained tremendous attention in recent years due to their great potentials from fabrication of responsive actuators and sensors to construction of intelligent soft robotic and light modulators. Jun 22, 2025 · Polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs), which exhibit tunable optical properties in response to external stimuli, are essential for the development of advanced functional devices. When the LCP is subjected to shear during processing, the rigid molecules order themselves into fibers and fibrils which are frozen-in when the polymer cools. In this Perspective, we offer a glimpse of a possible future industrial-scale responsive polymer. Liquid crystal polymers are capable of forming regions of highly ordered structure while in the liquid phase. 1. Feb 13, 2025 · Abstract Polymer networks, formed via photo-polymerisation in a thermotropic liquid crystal, will largely follow the self-organised order of the phase in which they form. What are Liquid Crystal Polymers? Liquid crystallinity in polymers may occur either by dissolving a polymer in a solvent (lyotropic liquid-crystal polymers) or by heating a polymer above its glass or melting transition point (thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers). Liquid crystal polymers are highly resistant to heat Oct 12, 2024 · Nanostructured polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (nano-PDLCs) are transparent and optically isotropic materials in which submicron-sized liquid crystal (LC) domains are dispersed within a polymer matrix. of are extraordinary materials, Liquid Crystals we in discovered by and they are being utilized in every walk applications televisions of windows. May 27, 2025 · Responsive polymers have yet to significantly impact the marketplace. Oct 30, 2024 · Side-chain liquid crystal polymers have been mixed with ferromagnetic particles, and the formation of a monodomain in magnetic fields studied. Wang, X. Find out how LCPs are synthesized, characterized, and used in various fields such as electrical, automotive, and chemical. However, conventional LCPs with permanent cross-links present tedious and unmodifiable stimuli-responsiveness. Sep 8, 2018 · Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) LCP is a thermoplastic, further classified as a polyester plastic. It possesses high strength, high rigidity, heat resistance, good electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. Strategies are discussed to control Liquid crystal polymers are one type of liquid crystal material, combining their intrinsic properties with polymeric flexibility for advanced applications in displays and smart materials. The more mature of these is liquid crystalline science, now a little over 100 years old (see Chapter 1) which comparatively recently experienced a great upsurge of interest in its own right as the application of liquid crystals to display devices fuelled it with funds and new LCP Polymer oder Liquid Crystal Polymer ist ein überwiegend aromatischer Polyester, das aufgrund seiner molekularen Struktur ein besonderes Eigenschaftsprofil besitzt. Dies führt zu einem anisotropen Verhalten Abstract Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) stand at the intersection of polymer science and liquid crystal technology, offering a unique blend of optical versatility and mechanical durability. Apr 18, 2023 · Abstract Crosslinked liquid crystal polymers (CLCPs) are a promising type of smart polymer material with excellent two-way shape memory behavior under the stimulation of various external conditions. Liquid Crystalline Polymers. Learn about LCP, a unique category of polymers that can display liquid crystal behavior and have outstanding properties for various industries. , has been widely used in the control of CLCPs Mar 28, 2025 · A: Liquid crystal elastomers and polymer-modified liquid crystals, covering the role of elastomers in biological applications [65] and multi-mode shape-morphing [66]. LCP can replace such materials as ceramics, metals, composites and other plastics because of its outstanding strength at extreme temperatures and resistance to virtually all chemicals, weathering, radiation and burning. This results in materials and parts with exceptional mechanical strength, temperature resistance, and flame resistance. This property gives LCPs a distinctive combination of fluidity and molecular order, resulting in a material known for its exceptional thermal resistance, dielectric properties, and dimensional stability. In this work, we 'This book has always been THE definitive book on liquid crystalline polymers, tying together synthesis, theory, structure, processing and properties in a most-readable format. Among the various external stimuli, light with the advantages of instantaneity, high accuracy, remote controllability, pollution-free, etc. LCP polymer or Liquid Crystal Polymer is a predominantly aromatic polyester that has a special property profile due to its molecular structure. The review covers literature published in this century, apart from some areas, such as dendritic and elastomeric systems, which have been recently Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) with speci fic mesogen features are the polymers of speci c class having distinct properties compared to the conventional polymers. Keywords: liquid crystal polymer, multilayer circuit, antenna, package, flexible, MEMS, biomedical, microfluidics 1. Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) - A relatively unique class of partially crystalline aromatic polyesters based on p-hydroxybenzoic acid and related monomers. Key characteristics of Liquid crystalline polymers, as a subject area, has arisen from the interaction of two well-established sciences. These polymeric LC Oct 22, 2015 · This Review discusses stimuli-responsive liquid crystalline polymer networks and elastomers as materials with programmable mechanics for use in functional devices. Based on those propoerties, LCPs are very valuable and popular in communication and Jun 1, 2024 · Discovering new polymers with ferroelectricity is essential for the continuous development of polymer ferroelectrics. These composite materials are composed of droplets of liquid crystals interspersed in a matrix of polymeric materials, harnessing the optical properties of liquid crystals while benefiting from the A characteristic feature of liquid crystal polymers is their molecular structure. Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are polymers with the property of liquid crystal, usually containing aromatic rings as mesogens. Find out how LCP is made, what forms it comes in, and what are its future prospects and challenges. TLCPs are widely used and most of the TLCP available in industrial production are aromatic polyester based LCP. In addition, it has the highest melting temperature and can have the highest tensile strength. Learn about liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), a special category of material with unique properties and applications. The chemical structure and morphology of LCPs is vastly different compared to conventional polyester polymers, due to which there are considerable differences between the two not only in physical and Oct 9, 2024 · However, its adoption is restricted by the availability of engineering polymers displaying mechanical performance combined with resistance to space conditions. Despite uncrosslinked LCPs, polymeric materials like liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) [1] and liquid crystal networks (LCNs) can exhibit liquid crystallinity as well. LCP Polymere weisen in der Schmelze eine hohe Orientierung der Moleküle auf. 38 to 1. 6. Nov 1, 2012 · Liquid crystals constitute a fascinating class of soft condensed matter characterized by the counterintuitive combination of fluidity and long-range o… Jul 6, 2023 · Abstract Polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs) are multi-functional materials consisting of polymer networks in a continuous phase of liquid crystals (LCs), of which polymer networks provide anchoring energy to align the LCs. Vectra ® liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are highly crystalline, thermotropic (melt-orienting) thermoplastics that can deliver exceptionally precise and stable dimensions, high temperature performance and chemical resistance in very thin-walled applications. Liquid crystal phases are important in biological systems like cell membranes and the brain. 8 to 185 MPa Tensile Elongation (%) 0. Find out their classification, mesophases, applications, and processing methods. Diese starke Richtungsabhängigkeit (Anisotropie) wird durch die Formgebung in Fließrichtung verstärkt. In this mini-review article, besides a brief introduction on fundamental aspects of ferroelectricity, we focus on recent discoveries of some new polymer ferroelectrics with a liquid crystalline order. Although it runs on conventional equipment, molders need to be aware of its unique properties and what these mean for optimal processing. Among LC smart films, the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) smart film Jan 1, 2022 · The liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), on other hand, are the materials having the properties of LCs as well as that of polymers and exhibits mesophases intermediate between the isotropic liquid and crystalline solid states. 1). . Molecular alignment in liquid crystal films results in optical properties (e. At relatively low concentrations, the presence of ferroparticles substantially speeds up the rate of formation of a monodomain within the magnetic field, and, at a given concentration of ferroparticles, that rate is independent of the magnetic field’s Aug 30, 2024 · In this review, we report the research progress in liquid crystalline polymer-based photoalignment technology via polarized light. LCEs consequently Feb 16, 2022 · A liquid crystal is a kind of intermediate-state material combining the fluidity of a liquid with the ordering of a crystal [1, 2, 3]. It can have the highest mechanical heat stability among polyester plastics. What are important when choosing liquid crystal polymer manufacturers? The selection of liquid crystal polymer manufacturers should take into account a few important factors. If a liquid crystal polymer melt is subjected to shear or stretching flow, as is the case in all thermoplastic processing operations, then the rigid macromolecules order themselves into fibers and fibrils which are frozen-in when the melt cools. Jun 13, 2025 · What is LCP? LCP stands for Liquid Crystal Polymer. This is Apr 29, 2017 · The term liquid crystal (LC) is a very common term; people know it from liquid crystal displays of digital clocks and watches dating back to the 1970s. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) stand at the intersection of polymer science and liquid crystal technology, offering a unique blend of optical versatility and mechanical durability. Sep 27, 2017 · The design and functions of various liquid-crystalline (LC) polymers including main-chain, side-chain and network LC polymers as well as dendritic structures are described. Feb 5, 2025 · Smart materials, which have the capability to respond to external stimuli, represent an inevitable trend in future landscape of technology. LCPs are used in thin-walled parts, chemical equipment, and high-strength fibers. Sep 14, 2022 · Liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs) are a unique class of soft materials that combine liquid crystal and polymer characteristics. Sep 11, 2023 · Liquid crystals (LCs) possess some typical liquid properties, such as fluidity, the inability to support shear, and the formation and coalescence of droplets, which exhibit optical, electrical, and magnetic anisotropic properties, and give materials various physical properties. Among various thermochromic materials, cholesteric liquid crystalline (CLC) materials have been well studied and reported. 2. They are distinguished from semi-crystalline plastics by their special molecular structure, which consists of rigid, rod-like macromolecules that are ordered in the melt phase to form liquid crystal structures (Fig. Compared with LCE films or bulk materials, LCE fibers The document discusses liquid crystals and liquid crystal polymers. LCP polymers exhibit a high orientation of the molecules in the melt. This rod like molecular conformations and chain stiffness give LCPs their most important self-reinforcing properties that are close to that of glass fiber reinforced composites. Apr 7, 2014 · Monolithically ordered liquid crystal polymer networks are formed by the photoinitiated polymerization of multifunctional liquid crystal monomers. It is a thermoplastic polymer material that exhibits a liquid crystalline structure when melted. Recently, many research works have made significant progress in improving performance, developing new operation modes, and expanding the application Jul 25, 2025 · Liquid crystals are substances that flow like a liquid but maintain some of the ordered structure of crystals. Smalley Rice Jun 25, 2024 · In recent years, liquid crystal materials have drawn great interest because of their wide range of applications. CLC materials have the advantages of ready manipulation and multiple color transitions. This perspective highlights recent advances of LCPs on the aspects of molecular engineering, hierarchical structures, and emerging applications. Learn about liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), a family of polymers with high strength, temperature resistance, and unique liquid crystalline structure. Mar 3, 2015 · Learn about liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), a class of highly crystalline polymeric structures with anisotropic melts. Liquid crystals, the building blocks of liquid crystal polymers, blur the boundary between properties of an ordinary liquid and a solid. This paper covers the history, structure, and characteristics of LCPs, and their use as catheter reinforcement braiding material. Mar 3, 2015 · Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are defined as materials that retain a highly ordered crystalline structure even in the molten state, exhibiting outstanding dimensional stability, high strength, stiffness, toughness, and chemical resistance. The term liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) describes a class of materials that combine the elastic entropy behaviour associated with conventional elastomers with the stimuli responsive properties of anisotropic liquid crystals. Optical and dielectric anisotropy is a key attribute of LCs, imparting functionality and broadening the scope of smart film systems to such products. LCPs were made from semi rigid polymer chains and like there small molecule sisters, had local anisotropy and were optically birefringent. The properties of LCP include three common variations. Jan 30, 2025 · The liquid crystal polymer composite (LCPC) is made from a mixture of liquid crystals and polymers. Liquid crystal polymers are one type of liquid crystal material, combining their intrinsic properties with polymeric flexibility for advanced applications in displays and smart materials. mkbxelfllviqfqmplqaujxppwkvatxqhfsfrvzdhzqzvtst