LCP

Thermal properties

Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are known for their outstanding dimensional stability at high temperatures. They remain stable up to 250 °C, a critical advantage for applications that require extreme temperature resistance. This property helps products maintain their shape and function even when exposed to extreme heat. In addition, LCPs are inherently flame-retardant, classified as V0 according to UL 94. This flame retardancy ensures that they are widely used in safety-conscious industries such as aerospace and automotive. Their low thermal expansion also makes LCP ideal for the manufacture of precision components where dimensionally accurate designs are essential. These thermal properties help to cement LCP's reputation as a reliable high-performance plastic.

Electrical properties

LCPs offer excellent insulating properties, making them particularly suitable for the electronics industry. Their ability to effectively insulate electrical currents is crucial for the manufacture of safe and efficient electronic components. Ion-reducing LCP products have a significant advantage, particularly in applications where minimal creepage resistance is required. These optimised polymers are ideal for dense electronic components as they minimise the risk of short circuits and corrosion caused by charge-carrying particles. The electrical properties of LCP ensure that it remains a preferred choice for developers and engineers in the electronics sector.

Mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of LCP are equally impressive, thanks to its high strength and high modulus of elasticity. These result from glass and carbon fibre reinforcement, which give the polymers a robust structure that can withstand high mechanical loads. Another advantage is the use of mineral fillers, which significantly reduce the degree of anisotropy. This mineral modification promotes a more even distribution of mechanical properties across the entire component, making LCP ideal for applications where balanced strengths in all directions are required. These properties make LCP ideal for the manufacture of durable and reliable technical components.

Chemical resistance

LCP has excellent chemical resistance and can withstand a wide range of aggressive substances such as hydrolysis, bases, weak acids and solvents. This property allows LCP to be used in chemically demanding environments without compromising the integrity or performance of the components. LCP is also known for its superior barrier properties against gases, making it particularly suitable for use in packaging films. These films offer excellent protection against external influences by enabling the transport and storage of products in a controlled atmosphere. Chemical resistance makes LCP a preferred choice for industrial and commercial applications where lasting safety and durability are essential.

Specific properties

Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are a preferred material in the manufacturing industry due to their outstanding processing properties. With their characteristically low melt viscosity, LCPs enable superior technologies such as injection moulding, extrusion and thermoforming, which is particularly advantageous for the production of thin-walled and complex components. This property results in extremely short cycle times and precisely moulded components, which increases efficiency and cost-effectiveness in industrial processes. The use of LCP for short-cycle and burr-free moulding is therefore ideal for optimising production processes in technical plastics processing.

Another notable advantage of LCP is its environmental compatibility. Since it is free of halogens and often does not contain any other environmentally harmful substances, LCP is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Its thermoplastic recyclability supports sustainability-oriented corporate goals by offering recycling opportunities and minimising the ecological footprint . The use of LCPs makes a significant contribution to achieving the environmental goals of many industries that are increasingly focusing on environmentally conscious materials.

In addition, LCPs exhibit striking anisotropy and self-reinforcement due to their molecular orientation in the melting process. These properties often result in enhanced mechanical performance along the flow direction, making components particularly robust and resistant in specific load directions. This natural reinforcement without additional reinforcements offers designers and engineers the opportunity to develop components with maximum efficiency and minimum material consumption, thereby increasing both the performance of the end products and the cost-effectiveness of production. The unique properties of LCP make it an indispensable component of modern technical applications.

Electronics and electrical industry: LCPs have a firm place in the electronics and electrical industry, particularly in the manufacture of connectors and electromechanical components. Their excellent insulating properties and low tracking resistance make them ideal for applications requiring absolute safety and reliability. LCPs are also used in molded interconnect devices (MIDs), where complex electrical circuits are integrated directly into three-dimensional plastics. These applications benefit from the high precision and dimensional stability of LCPs, which maintain their integrity even under harsh operating conditions, which is crucial in the development of cutting-edge electronic devices.

Automotive industry: LCPs are used in a wide variety of applications in the automotive industry. They are essential for the production of glow plug connectors and fiber optic couplings, where their resistance to high temperatures and chemical influences is critical. In parts of the vehicle engine compartment, they contribute to performance and safety by providing reliable and durable solutions. Their dimensionally stable nature and flame retardancy make LCPs perfect for under-the-hood applications where heat-resistant materials are of utmost importance.

Mechanical engineering: In mechanical engineering, LCPs are used for their high mechanical strength and anisotropy self-reinforcing properties. They are ideal for bearings, seals, and packings in distillation columns, as they can withstand the mechanical stresses and chemical influences to which such components are exposed. In pumps and measuring instruments, LCPs ensure that functional elements operate precisely and reliably, even in demanding environments. LCPs' ability to withstand extreme conditions makes them an indispensable material in this industry.

Packaging industry: In the packaging industry, LCPs are valued for their excellent barrier properties against gases and water vapor. These properties make them ideal for coextruded films that provide maximum protection and extend the shelf life of packaged products. The films provide an effective gas barrier that prevents unwanted air and moisture penetration, crucial for the quality and freshness of food and other sensitive goods.

Energy technology: Current research is exploring the use of LCP in PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, where their thermal and chemical stability, as well as their electrical properties, can be optimally utilized. Application in fuel cells opens up new possibilities for the energy industry and demonstrates the potential of LCP in future-oriented technologies that require sustainable energy solutions.