LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE AROMATIC POLYESTERS FORMED WITH TEREPHTHALIC ACID, PHENYL HYDROQUINONE, AND NAPHTHALENE OR ANTHRACENE DIOLS

The synthesis and characterization of aromatic copolyesters containing terephthalic acid and phenyl hydroquinone as the major constituents and either 1,4-napthalene diol or 1,4-anthracene diol as the minority comonomer is described. Both polymers melted in the vicinity of 300 degrees C, giving birefringent fluids. Optical microscopy showed Schlieren textures consisting predominantly of inversion walls characteristic of the nematic phase. The clearing temperature was in the vicinity of 460 degrees C, but was accompanied by charring. DSC experiments showed a high glass transition temperature of 130-160 degrees C for both polymers. Crystal-nematic and nematic-isotropic endotherms were observed on heating; however, degradation took place near the isotropization temperature. Thus, on cooling, the sequence was reversible only if the previous heating was beyond the crystat-nematic but below the isotropization temperature. The polymers were stable in terms of gross weight loss until about 450 degrees C, though there were indications that crosslinking occurred above about 400 degrees C over a short period of time. The polymers formed low-viscosity injection-molding compounds, but to use them effectively, it would require mold-gate designs that reduce the ''jetting'' tendency for liquid crystal polymer melts, which result in weld lines. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.