17 - Liquid crystalline organic fibers and their mechanical behavior

Abstract

In general, synthetic fibers based on liquid crystalline polymers can be divided into three main categories: (1) aromatic polyamides, (2) aromatic heterocycles, and (3) aromatic copolyesters. Commercially available liquid crystalline fibers are here described in terms of their polymer synthesis, production techniques (fiber spinning, heat treatments), and final properties (thermal, mechanical, chemical, and environmental stabilities). Finally, some industrially relevant applications of liquid crystalline synthetic fibers are illustrated.