SGER: Orientational Coupling between Solid Particles and a Liquid Crystalline Matrix

Cuny City College, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Proposal Number: CTS-0229298 Principal Investigator: Jimmy J Feng Affiliation: CUNY City College Title: Orientation coupling between solid particles and liquid crystalline matrix The liquid-crystalline polymers (LCP) used in various products show a strong tendency to align along the flow direction. Since the LCP orientation is frozen in the solid state product, because of the anisotropy, the tensile strength and modulus will be small in the transverse direction. In some products, such as injection molded LCP materials, the product isotropy is important and highly desirable. The method based on surface-anchoring filler additives to alter the transport properties of the LCP during the manufacturing processes, is an innovative approach proposed by the PI in this exploratory project.