Features of SUMIKASUPER LCP

SUMIKASUPER LCP is a liquid crystalline wholly aromatic polyester (Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polyester) that has the highest level of heat resistance among engineering plastics (hereafter referred to as "Engineering Plastics") and has the following basic structure. It is a type of commonly known Liquid Crystal Polymer (hereafter referred to as "LCP").

Figure 1-1-1 Skin-core structure and photo of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-1 Skin-core structure and photo of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-2 Representative chemical structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-2 Representative chemical structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

As the name suggests, LCPs are characterized by becoming liquid crystals in a molten state. Therefore, a unique phenomenon not seen with ordinary polymers is observed, that is, when heated under a polarizing microscope, a significant increase in the amount of transmitted light is observed when melted.

Figure 1-1-3 Molten liquid crystal observation device

Figure 1-1-3 Molten liquid crystal observation device

Figure 1-1-4 Relationship between temperature and transmitted light (polarized light microscope observation)

Figure 1-1-4 Relationship between temperature and transmitted light (polarized light microscope observation)

Figure 1-1-5 Polarizing microscope photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-5 Polarizing microscope photograph of SUMIKASUPER LCP

SUMIKASUPER LCP exhibits a liquid crystal state (crystalline state) above the liquid crystal temperature. The liquid crystal molecules are oriented by injection molding, and the material exhibits characteristics derived from the liquid crystal phase, such as high strength, high elasticity, high flowability, and low linear expansion coefficient.

Figure 1-1-6 Structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Figure 1-1-6 Structure of SUMIKASUPER LCP

Properties and characteristics of LCP

SUMIKASUPER LCP is a liquid crystalline wholly aromatic polyester, and therefore has both properties based on liquid crystallinity and properties based on wholly aromaticity.

Table 1-1-1 Characteristics of liquid crystalline wholly aromatic polyesters

Properties based on liquid crystallinity → Effect of molecular orientation Properties based on total aromaticity
Strong Points Cons
  • High strength and rigidity
  • Low viscosity, high fluidity
  • Low shrinkage, low linear expansion coefficient (flow direction)
  • Fast solidification, low flash
  • Low mold temperature
  • Anisotropy (strength, shrinkage)
  • Low weld strength
  • High heat resistance (high DTUL, heat aging resistance)
  • Solder resistance
  • Flame retardance
  • Low water absorption
  • Chemical resistance