Vectra® LCP for Technical Fibers

Vectra LCP is the engineering polymer for fibers to meet the demanding service requirements for temperature exposure, chemical and wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and low moisture absorption in the industrial textile and fabric industry. Vectra LCP is easy to process without sacrificing heat resistance and mechanical strength.Multi-filaments, fibers and non-wovens made from Vectra LCP can be used in a wide variety of applications and markets such as aerospace, sporting goods, protective apparel, rope and cables, personnel life protection, medical, paperand non-wovens and other industrial segments.

Fiber Chemistry

LCP polymer molecules are stiff, rod-like structuresorganized in ordered domains in the solid and melt states. These oriented domains lead to anisotropic behavior in the melt state, thus the term “liquid crystal polymer.” This highly oriented fiber structure results in very high tensile properties. Fibers are formed from Vectra LCP by melt extrusion through fine diameter capillaries, during which the molecular domains orient parallel to the fiber axis.

Vectra LCP Properties

• Operating temperatures up to 240°C, temporarily up to 340°C, depending on the grade
• Inherent flame resistance (UL 94 V-0, 5 VA
• Excellent dimensional stability and creep resistance
• Very high tensile strength and very high elastic modulus in flow direction
• High impact strength
• Superior chemical resistance, particularly organic solvents (even at high temperatures) and aggressive chemicals used for sterilization as bleach
• Low moisture absorption (0.03% @ ISO 62-4)
• Very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
• Excellent flex/fold characteristics
• Good vibration damping characteristics and shock absorbency
• High wear/abrasion and cut resistance
• Excellent dielectric properties
• Inertness, non-toxicity and bio-inactivity