Liquid Crystal Polymers From Structures To Applications

The subject of liquid crystals and their use in electronic displays and in non-linear optical systems has become of tremendous importance during the last decade; and the incorporation of liquid crystal units into polymeric materials has led to a group of new materials with diverse properties. Some of these properties have been utilized in new products and some have yet to be used. Much published work has appeared that deals with specific materials or particular applications, and it was felt that a book was needed to examine and explain the underlying principles governing the diverse properties of these liquid crystal polymers, LCPs. The current work describes the diverse nature of LCPs, their synthesis, characterization, properties and finally their applications. It describes the manner in which liquid crystallinity or mesomorphism occurs in small molecules, monomer liquid crystals and polymer liquid crystals. Chapter 1 gives a classification of the various ways in which the meso gens may be connected to the polymer chains. Currently, the bulk of LCP material is based on main chain or longitudinal LCPs for use in engineering applications. The side chain or comb polymers are intended for use in electronics and opto-electronic systems and as surfactants. Many other variants and possibilities exist but their properties have not yet been fully studied or used. In this respect it is hoped that the current work will indicate future possibilities as well as discussing current opinion. v Preface vi Chapters 2 and 3 describe methods of characterizing the mesophases.

This book introduces various applications of liquid crystalline polymers as the emerging new class of high performance novel materials. The authors detail the advantageous properties of these LCs including optical anisotropic, transparency and easy control over structure. This interdisciplinary work includes valuable input from international projects with special focus on the use of liquid crystalline polymers and/or nanocomposites.

Liquid Crystal Polymer Nanocomposites summarizes, in a comprehensive manner, numerous modern technical research accomplishments on the development of nanocomposites from liquid crystalline polymers. It emphasizes various studies at the nano-scale, including discussions of liquid crystalline block copolymers, liquid crystalline epoxy nanocomposites, barrier property studies of liquid crystalline epoxy and their nanocomposites, liquid crystalline polymer-based microfibrillar and nanofibrillar composites, liquid crystalline polymer/nanoplatelet nanocomposites, liquid-crystalline elastomer/graphene oxide nanocomposites, and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers. It provides detailed information on methods of preparation, the properties of these materials and a discussion on the structure-properties relationship. With an emphasis on data and experimental results, the book's authors illustrate how the liquid crystal structure can have an impact on the final properties of nanocomposite. Contains contributions from leading experts working in this specialized field of research Provides detailed information on the preparation, characterization and application of nanocomposites of liquid crystalline polymers Presents solutions to both fundamental and applied problems

This volume contains an eclectic collection of 22 papers on liquid crystalline polymers presented at the Sixth Polymer Workshop, in the series sponsored by the European Science Foundation, entitled: 'Liquid Crystal Polymer Systems', in Gentofte, Denmark, 12-14 September 1983. Since a contribution to this volume was strictly voluntary, and in some cases represents a considerably expanded version of that which was presented, it is strictly speaking not correct to term this a 'proceedings'. A description of the aims and purposes of the European Science Foundation with respect to the polymer area has been presented in: Shell Polymers, Vol. 5, No.2, pp. 34-35, 1981. The papers given here represent a cross-section of current research interests in liquid crystalline polymers in the areas of theory, synthesis, characterization, structure-property relationships and applications. At least some of the current interest is motivated by attempts to practically exploit the novel properties of these materials in the developing tech nologies of high strength fibres and advanced materials for constructional purposes, but also for functional materials in the areas of information retrieval, electronics and opto-electronics applications. The editor wishes to thank all those involved for their courtesy and co-operation.

This book introduces anisotropic innovations in liquid crystalline polymers as well as new nanocomposite materials and testing techniques. The authors detail the newest discoveries of material properties, material types and phases, and material characterization. This interdisciplinary work creates valuable links that strengthen the approach to the evolving field of liquid crystalline polymers/ materials.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assemblies in liquid crystalline polymers and their electrical, optical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Liquid crystalline polymers are unique self-assembled, functional soft materials with electrical, magnetic, and thermal responses which find potential applications in numerous areas. As well as providing an overview of their synthesis, self-assembly and dynamics the various applications are also discussed. Such applications as liquid crystalline elastomers, light responsive actuators, optical reflectors, gas barrier films, and even flame retardant polymers will be presented. The book is a useful resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and experienced researchers.

Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have a wide range of uses, from strong engineering plastics to delicate gels for use in liquid crystal (LC) displays. For this reason, it is essential reading for materials scientists, engineers or technologists in industry, as well as research laboratories or academia. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database gives useful references for further reading.

This textbook consists of six chapters. The first chapter highlights the concept of liquid crystals, including chemical structure, phase classification, defect and texture, and continuum theory. It has been carefully written to meet the needs of readers who do not specialize in liquid crystals. The second chapter is related to the theoretical description of liquid crystalline polymers, networks, and gels, which deals with subjects such as the formation of liquid crystallinity in the polymer system, the phase transition and phase diagram, the molecular weight effect, chain conformation, physics properties, etc. In Chapter 3, the molecular engineering of liquid crystalline polymers is introduced. The molecular composition and the molecular weight play essential roles in the molecular design, which are reviewed in detail. In addition, some unusual liquid crystalline polymers are discussed. Chapter 4 is devoted to the phase identification of liquid crystalline polymers. The techniques involved cover polarizing microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and other areas. Chapters 5 and 6 summarize the properties and applications of liquid crystalline polymers: Chapter 5 deals mainly with mechanical performance in fiber and composites; Chapter 6 presents the elasticity, viscosity and rheology of liquid crystalline polymers, as well as other important properties.