Liquid Crystalline Polymers [Hardcover]

A 2006 edition explaining the underlying science and applications of liquid crystalline polymers.The 2006 edition of this authoritative guide explains the underlying science and applications of liquid crystalline polymers. A new chapter on liquid biopolymers is included, whilst established and novel applications are reviewed. This will be indispensable to graduate students and researchers in the polymer and materials science field.The 2006 edition of this authoritative guide explains the underlying science and applications of liquid crystalline polymers. A new chapter on liquid biopolymers is included, whilst established and novel applications are reviewed. This will be indispensable to graduate students and researchers in the polymer and materials science field.The 2006 edition of this authoritative guide on liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) science was produced in response to the wealth of new material generated in the field. It takes the reader through the theoretical underpinnings to real-world applications of LCP technology in a logical, well-integrated manner. A chapter on liquid biopolymers has been introduced, whilst the in-depth discussion on applications describes not only maturing fields of high strength structural LCPs, but also a detailed analysis of the developing area of functional materials. The in-depth coverage and detailed glossary establishes this as an indispensable text for graduate students and researchers in the polymer field, as well as being of interest to those working in chemistry, physics and materials science.1. Liquid crystalline polymers: a brief history; 2. Terminology and concepts; 3. Stability of liquid crystalline polymers; 4. Theories of liquid crystallinity in polymers; 5. Local order and classification; 6. Distortions and defects; 7. Biological liquid crystalline polymers; 8. Flow and applied fields; 9. Processing and applications of structural liquid crystalline polymers; 10. Applications of functional liquid crystal polymerslSI