Epoxy thermoplastics crystalline, mechanical properties

Dow Chemical developed liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) based on diglycidyl ether of 4-4 -dihydroxy-o -methylstilbene in the 1980s (62,63). Liquid crystal thermoplastics and thermosets based on this novel chemistry showed excellent combinations of thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties, imachievable with traditional epoxies. However, commercialization of these products has not materialized. 

The selection of polymeric matrix depends on the final application of electrically conductive composites. For a specific purpose, an optimal balance among mechanical, optical, thermal, ecological, and other properties must be maintained. Various classes of polymers have been used for composite preparation, such as soft elastomers and rubbers, linear or branched thermoplastics, or hard duromers as epoxies. All these materials cover a wide range of properties. The main physical and structural parameters that influence the final electrical behavior of multiphase materials are the polymer surface chemistry, degree of crystallinity, and the thermal and mechanical behavior. 

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