Multiaxially oriented thermotropic polymer films and method of preparation
AssigneeFoster-Miller, Inc.
InventorsAndrew C. Harvey, Richard W. Lusignea, James L. Racich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates in general to the formation of multiaxially (e.g., biaxially) oriented films from high molecular weight liquid crystalline thermotropic polymers (homopolymers, copolymers, and the like), wherein due to the processing conditions employed, the films have a controlled molecular orientation. The novel multiaxially oriented films of the present invention are preferably prepared from two commercially available thermotropic polymers, Datrco Manufacturing, Incorporated's XYDAR.RTM. LCP and Hoechst Celanese's VECTRA.RTM. LCP.
Claims14
A film having a controllable coefficient of thermal expansion and a thickness of at least about 0.010 mm, prepared from a molecularly ordered thermotopic liquid crystalline polymer, said film having a multiaxial molecular orientation.
A film having a controllable coefficient of thermal expansion and a thickness of less than about 0.10 mm, prepared from a molecular ordered thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer, said film having a multiaxial molecular orientation.
A method of preparing a multiaxially oriented film from a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film comprising the steps of:
- (a) subjecting a polymer melt of said polymer to at least two cross-directional strain forces;
- and
- (b) solidifying the microscale structural orientation formed in step (a) by physical, chemical or thermal means.
A laminated composite film comprising at least two multiaxially oriented films prepared from a molecularly oriented thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.