A liquid crystal polymer is a material that holds molecular order in both solid and liquid states. Exactly, the change from order to disorder all through the melting of an LCP arises well above the temperature at which it drops its completely crystallized structure.
This efficiently means that the material has two different melting points or, more precisely, two-phase changes. The primary phase alteration takes it from solid to liquid crystal and the next from melted crystal to full liquid. The stage between liquid and crystal is stated to as the mesophase and the exact molecules that can create a mesophase are called mesogens. LCPs can be segmented into two key categories, known as thermotropic systems and thermotropic systems.
The Liquid Crystal Polymer Market is experiencing growth and is projected to reach USD 2,360 million by 2030.
Thermotropic
Liquid crystal polymers – are thermoplastic resins that show exclusive characteristics. Such materials have several exceptional and necessary traits such as heat tolerance for autoclaving, chemical inertness, and exceptional mechanical strength. Therefore, such materials have found function in numerous high-performance applications from electronic, automotive, food containers, and medical devices.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystals
Lyotropic liquid crystals are created in mixtures of solvents and amphiphiles, for instance, detergents and water. Thus, these stages are thermodynamically constant at distinct pressures, concentrations, and temperatures. Like thermotropic, a range of structurally distinct alterations occurs, which are collectively called lyotropic liquid crystals.
What Are the applications of Liquid-Crystal Polymers?
Liquid crystal polymers have an extensive variety of potential utilization thanks to their excellent physical characteristics. Some examples are shown below.
• Electrical connectors: Liquid crystal polymers plastic can be utilized to create conductive electrical connectors. They work to remove static build-ups and discharges that would else make noise interference in electrical motions.
• Vascular catheter reinforcement braiding: Vascular catheters with liquid crystal polymers and plastic braid can be vital for patients experiencing MRI scans. Catheters with metallic braiding would interrelate with the magnetic field produced by the equipment.
• Surgical instruments: Surgical types of equipment are disinfected after use through radiation. Liquid crystal polymers are perfect for this as they can endure radiation without breaking down.
• Cookware coatings - cooking utensils with non-stick surfaces are essential to endure the high-temperature atmosphere of the stove also the corrosive impacts of dishwashers and acidic foods. Liquid crystal polymers can endure temperatures equal to 280℃ and the coating is not damaged by dishwasher machines.
Advantages of Liquid Crystal Polymers
• Self-reinforcing: Liquid crystal polymer resin molecular chains recollect their order when injection molded or squeeze out. Once air-conditioned, such chains enhance directional strength to the final chunks.
• Temperature resistant: Liquid crystal polymers have tremendously high working temperatures with some being capable to work up to 340℃ for a short period.
• Flame resistant: Liquid crystal polymers are characteristically fired resilient.
• Chemical resistance: Liquid crystal polymers are resilient to an extensive variety of chemicals.
Hence, the main drivers of the liquid crystal polymer industry such as the growing requirement for consumer electronic items, the growing sales of lightweight vehicles, and its outstanding mechanical strength.
