ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on processing and orientation of extruded film and tubing made from Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) resins, with emphasis on three market areas: high-barrier films, electronic packaging, and tubing for structures. There are two major types of LCPs: those processed from the anisotropic melt state and from anisotropic solutions. All LCPs are made up of linear rigid molecules that tend to align themselves in shear flow; the amount of molecular rigidity is determined by the chemical bonds. Using conventional processing, the skin–core morphology will generally result in a misoriented region of LCP that will reduce properties. LCPs can be used in thin layers or at low concentrations in blends to make cost-effective high-barrier films and containers. High-barrier film users are looking for alternatives to polyvinylidene chloride as a barrier layer because of problems cited in burning polyvinylidene chloride.
