Flow-Induced Orientation in Liquid Crystalline Polymers and its Influence on the manufacture of Precision-Molded Parts

这是一个关于UCSB和AT&T贝尔实验室之间的联合项目的CRISE(联合研究-工业休假计划)提案。其主要目的是在注塑成型过程中控制液晶聚合物(LCP)的分子结构和取向，以获得精确的制件和提高导电性。该研究方法结合了分子理论建模来预测LCP熔体的行为，对其流变性和光学微观结构特性进行了实验研究，以及各种精密成型工艺。所选择的模型热致液晶非常适合于流变学和结构研究，与以前的研究相比，它将开辟一种更基本的方法来表征液晶聚合物。该项目将使用UCSB和AT&T贝尔实验室的资源。根据CRISE的要求，在皮尔逊教授的工业访问结束后，PI将向NSF提交一份报告，以评估可能的研究重新定向。应用包括用于光纤和电子行业的高精度互连部件，并立即用于AT&T全国数据网络的建设。选定的LCP是开发高精度成型中的“使能”技术的基础，光电子器件是第一个应用领域。

This is a CRISP (Combined Research - Industrial Sabbatical Program) proposal for a joint project between the UCSB and AT&T Bell Laboratories. The main objective is to control the molecular structure and orientation of liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) during injection molding in order to obtain precise manufactured parts and increased electrical conductivity. The research approach combines molecular theory modeling to predict the behavior of LCP melts, experimental studies of their rheological and optical microstructural properties, and various precision molding processes. The selected model thermotropic LCP is well suited for rheological and structural studies, and will open a more fundamental approach to characterize the LCPs as compared to previous studies. The project will use resources at the UCSB and AT&T Bell Laboratories. According to the CRISP requirements, the PI will submit a report to NSF after the completion of the industrial visit of Prof. Pearson in order to evaluate a possible redirection of research. Applications include high accuracy interconnection parts used in the fiber optics and electronics industry, with an immediate use in the construction of the AT&T nationwide data network. The selected LCP is the base for development of an "enabling" technology in high precision molding, with optoelectronic devices as a first application area.