Melt-processable liquid crystal polymer resin for precision
This technology covers a new family of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) made by combining hydroquinone with a specific biphenyl diacid. The resulting materials can be melted and shaped using standard industrial equipment at temperatures low enough to avoid burning or degrading the polymer, which is a common problem with high-performance plastics. A distinctive feature is that these polymers can lock into a 'liquid crystalline glass' state — preserving an ordered molecular structure even after cooling — which can confer exceptional stiffness, dimensional stability, and barrier properties. The synthesis route, polycondensation, is a well-established industrial process, meaning scale-up does not require exotic chemistry.
What you could build
A specialty polymer resin sold to compounders or injection molders targeting high-precision electronics connectors, 5G antenna substrates, or thin-film barrier packaging — markets where LCPs already command premium pricing and where improved processability translates directly to yield and cost advantages.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors and electronics manufacturers (e.g., suppliers to the Navy shipyards or Northrop Grumman) that use high-performance thermoplastics in connectors, radomes, or structural components would be natural licensees or development partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- —
- Granted
- September 1, 2020
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 102853
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.