Liquid Crystals Derived from Natural Molecules

The science of liquid crystals, over last 100 years, has evolved from the cocoon of curiosity to an object of scientific challenge and technological importance. The technological importance, especially of liquid crystalline polymers, stems from the combination of a multitude of desirable properties such as high melting temperatures and toughness, low coefficient of thermal expansion and mold shrinkage and fibre and film forming ability. In whatever form - composites, resins, plastics - or in whichever applications - engineering, high-tech electronics, optical devices - they are used, they contribute the benefits of their special attributes. The technologists' and scientists' enthusiasm concerning liquid crystalline polymers is aptly divulged by Weiss & Ober thus, Captain Kirk and Mister Spock would be delighted to learn that we are finally beginning to understand and appreciate the potential of liquid crystalline polymers.