SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW FULLY AROMATIC LCP

Liquid crystal polymers (LCP)are a relatively new class of polymers wi th very interesting and unusual properties. In particular, easy proces sability and outstanding mechanical and barrier properties make them v ery attractive. Unfortunately the high stiffness of their chains often leads to compounds having very high melting points and consequently t o unprocessable materials. By adding a flexible segments in the chain backbone the LCPs become processable at lower temperatures but lower p roperties are displayed. A new rigid liquid crystalline polymer, havin g excellent physical properties, good processing temperature and a goo d cost/performance compromise, is described in this work. The properti es of this liquid crystalline polymer are compared with those of a com mercial rigid LCP and with those of a semirigid one.