Inventors:
Richard P. Chartoff - Cincinnati OH
John W. Schultz - Alpharetta GA
Jill S. Ullett - Dayton OH
Assignee:
University of Dayton - Dayton OH
International Classification:
B29C 3508
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing ordered parts by from non-ordered liquid crystal monomers. Liquid crystal monomers contain stiff, rod-like mesogenic segments which can be aligned by an external force such as shear, electric field or magnetic field, causing an anisotropy in properties. When cured in the aligned stated by photopolymerizing the aligned monomers the anisotropic structure is âlocked inâ resulting in materials with anisotropic physical and mechanical properties. The rigid structure of the mesogenic segments can result in cured networks with high glass transition temperatures if the spacer groups which connect the mesogenic core with the reactive end groups are kept short. Glass transition temperatures of postcured parts ranged from 75 to 148Â C. depending on resin and processing conditions.