TWI Frequently asked questions
by Sam Rostami
At temperatures well above the crystalline melting temperature, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers become disordered, viscous liquids. Liquid crystalline polymers, on the other hand, possess molecular orders that are retainedin their viscous liquid state. Hence, the term liquid crystal polymer or LCP is used to describe these types of polymer.
Like the traditional semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers, the glass transition temperature in an LCP is associated with the co-operative movements in the amorphous phase. Similarly, the crystalline melting temperature isassociated with the melting of the majority of its crystalline phase. However, in an LCP the transition from order to disorder occurs at temperatures higher than its crystalline melting temperature.
Further information
How are liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) made?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs)?
What are the applications of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs)?
