Introduction
Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are a relatively unique class of partially crystalline aromatic polyesters based on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and related monomers. The resin’s high melt flow and fast setup permit it to be moulded into a large, heavy-walled part as well as thin-walled components. It’s thermal stability permits efficient use of regrind. Due to unique properties, from food containers to mechanical parts to monofilament fibres, liquid crystal polymers have proven to be highly versatile – both in molecular design and properties.
Advantages of Liquid Crystal Polymer
- Outstanding Mechanical Properties at high temperature
- Excellent chemical resistance property
- Inherent flame retardancy
- Good weatherability
Types of Liquid Crystal Polymer
- Rod-shaped (calamitic) liquid crystals can display a range of mesophases including nematic and varying smectic forms depending on the temperature.
- Disc-shaped (discotic) liquid crystals usually form nematic or columnlike structure phases.
- Bent core mesogens can display crystalline structures including nematic, smectic, and a range of their own unique banana liquid crystal phases.
Liquid Crystal Polymer Application
ROPES & CABLES
High strength with no creep allows the manufacture of high performance, superior abrasion resistance, excellent moisture resistance, and exceptional property retention over broad ranges of temperature and chemical environments, making it suitable to use in critical marine, military, and industrial rope and cable applications.
ELECTRONIC SUPPORT STRUCTURES
High dielectric strength coupled with elevated temperature resistance and outstanding moisture resistance made it ideal for printed circuit boards, fibre optic strength members and conductor reinforcements.
RECREATION & LEISURE
Liquid Crystal Polymer fibres are an excellent option for recreation and leisure products such as water sports, winter sports, other sports like bicycle forks, golf clubs, tennis racquets and paragliders
AEROSPACE & MILITARY
LCP was used as a cushion in the Mars landing. Furthermore, to its lightweight and stable property, LCP provides superior load handling characteristics for tow ropes, cargo tie-downs and inflatables.
NEW TEXTILES & COMPOSITES
LCP is available in a range of counts for textile and composite processing and offers a new option in design and material selection. LCP is a high modulus thermoplastic matrix fibre for applications requiring high impermeability, excellent property retention over a broad temperature range and low moisture absorption.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Stability to most chemicals allows the manufacture of chemically resistant packings and gaskets. Users of protective apparel such as gloves and workwear benefit from excellent cut and stab resistance, elevated temperature resistance, outstanding flex/fold resistance and durability to multiple wash/dry cycles even in the presence of bleach.
Market Prospect
Demand for high-quality and durable electrical and electronic products in emerging economies are some of the factors that have supported the long-term expansion of the Liquid Crystal Polymers Market. APAC to hold the largest market share in the liquid crystal polymers market, in terms of value and volume during the forecast period. The growth of the liquid crystal polymers market in APAC is due to the rapid expansion of the electrical & electronics industry.
As per Delvens’ market analysis report, the global liquid crystal polymers market is projected to reach a CAGR of 9.2% from USD 1.2 billion in 2021.
Conclusion
In the coming future demand for materials having superior mechanical properties at high temperatures and resistance to chemical erosion to build industrial, military, and aerospace equipment.
About Delvens
Delvens is a market research and consulting company headquartered in Delhi, India. The company holds expertise in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports and consulting services. Delvens qualitative and quantitative data is highly utilized by each level from niche markets to major markets, serving more than 800 prominent companies by assuring to provide the information on country, regional and global business environment. We have a database for more than 45 industries in more than 50+ major countries globally.
