Rigid rod polyesters are of potential interest for applications ranging from food packaging to electrical components to reinforcing fibers.   Those polyesters based on bibenzoic acid have been known for several decades, and range from thermotropic to liquid crystalline in nature.  Of particular interest are polyesters combining 4.4'-bibenzoic acid and terephthalic acid, such that synthesis and processing temperatures match those of PET, allowing retrofit into exisisting plant assets, while producing materials with superior mechanical properties and Tg values.  Some of these PETBB polymers can be described as frustrated LCPs - not quite liquid crystalline. While polymer viscosities generally increase with the incorporation of glass fibers, PETBB-55 exhibits reduced melt viscosity in processing with addition of glass fibers, and the resulting composites are liquid crystalline.  These materials and the rationale for this unique behavior will be discussed.

How soda glass induces a polyester to become liquid crystalline

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.