ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors investigate liquid crystal thermosets (LCTs) as improved matrix materials for use as high-performance structural materials. They also investigate mixtures of LCTs with Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) to create a new class of nanocomposites. The basic components of an LCP are a rigid core to which conventional cross-linking end groups are attached. Upon heating to elevated temperatures the LCT melts into a liquid crystalline phase. The authors describe the behavior of LCTs that have been studied in laboratory. They discuss the synthesis, thermal transitions, and curing behavior, as well as some preliminary results on physical properties. Thermal transitions in the LCTs have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and hot-stage polarized optical microscopy. Preliminary measurements have been performed on the thermal stability of the bispropargyl thermosets using thermogravimetric analysis. The authors show the possibility of using LCTs in novel nanocomposites.
