Features

Introduction

SUMIKASUPER LCP is a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester that possesses the highest heat resistance among all engineering plastics. Its basic chemical composition is shown in the diagram below. Thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester is one of the most common types of liquid crystalline polyester (LCP).

Figure 1-1-1 Skin Core Structure and Photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-1 Skin Core Structure and Photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-2 Representative Chemical Structures of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-2 Representative Chemical Structures of SUMIKASUPER LCP

As indicated by their name, one property of liquid crystalline polyester is that they become liquid crystalline state when they enter a molten state. This special phenomenon, unique to liquid crystalline polyester, can be observed under a polarizing microscope: as the temperature of a polymer increases and it begins to melt, its light transmittance also increases significantly.

Figure 1-1-3 Device for Observing the Melting of Liquid Crystal

Figure 1-1-3 Device for Observing the Melting of Liquid Crystal

Figure 1-1-4 Transmission of Light through Polarizer (Observation by Polarizing Microscope)

Figure 1-1-4 Transmission of Light through Polarizer (Observation by Polarizing Microscope)

Figure 1-1-5 Polarization Microscopic Photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-5 Polarization Microscopic Photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

With SUMIKASUPER LCP, the liquid crystalline state (crystalline state) is indicated for the liquid crystallization temperature or higher. Liquid crystal molecules become oriented via injection molding, and it shows characteristics such as high strength, high the elastic modulus, high flow characteristics, and a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion.

Figure 1-1-6 Structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-6 Structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Properties and Characteristics of LCP

As SUMIKASUPER LCP is a wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester, it possesses both properties based on liquid crystalline properties and properties based on wholly aromatic properties.

Table 1-1-1 Characteristics Based on Wholly Aromatic Liquid crystalline polyester

Properties Based on Liquid Crystalline Nature -> Effect of Molecular Orientation Characteristics Based on
Wholly Aromatic Properties
Advantages Disadvantages
  • High strength, High rigidity
  • Low viscosity, High flowability
  • Low shrinkage,
    Low linear expansion coefficient
    (flow direction)
  • Rapid solidification, Low flash property
  • Low mold temperature
  • Anisotropy (strength, shrinkage)
  • Low weld strength
  • High heat resistance
    (high DTUL, high heat aging resistance)
  • Solder heat resistance
  • Flammability
  • Low water absorbency
  • Chemical resistance
Inquiries about SUMIKASUPER LCP