Epoxy Meets Liquid Crystals #worldresearchawards #researcher #epoxyresins
Epoxy resins are widely used in coatings, adhesives, and structural composites due to their excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance. However, recent advancements in material science have introduced liquid crystal (LC) structures into epoxy systems, significantly enhancing their performance. Liquid crystal-modified epoxy resins incorporate mesogenic units—molecular groups capable of forming ordered structures between solid and liquid phases. These mesogenic segments promote molecular alignment during curing, resulting in improved structural organization at the microscopic level. This ordered arrangement enhances mechanical strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness compared to conventional epoxy networks. One of the most significant advantages of the liquid crystal effect is improved thermal stability. The rigid, aligned molecular structures increase resistance to heat deformation and enhance glass transition temperature (Tg). This makes LC-modified epoxies highly suita...