ABSTRACT
The properties of Thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymers (TLCP) components are complex and strongly reflect flow and solidification history. The end-use characteristics of TLCPs result from a complex interplay of the imposed deformation and thermal history with intrinsic rheological, microstructural, and mechanical properties. The nature of flow-induced molecular orientation and relaxation is a key factor in the development of TLCP proper. The mechanical properties of injection-molded TLCPs strongly relate to the orientation preserved in the solidified component. The morphology and properties of TLCPs can be significantly influenced within the spinline. The structure of TLCPs can be described at various levels of structural dimensions ranging from x-ray-determined crystalline structure to optically visible morphology. The excellent mechanical properties of TLCPs result from the high degree of molecular orientation of the extended chain molecules that can be produced in conventional processing. The tensile modulus of TLCPs strongly depends on the level of orientation present in the frozen nematic melt.
