Vectra

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Vectra®/Zenite® LCP - Liquid Crystal Polymer

High-Performance Halogen-Free Polymers

Vectra® and Zenite® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is a family of halogen-free, high-performance polymers that deliver exceptional high-temperature performance in eco-friendly thin-wall applications. These polymers offer exceptionally precise and stable dimensions.

Product Properties

• Service temperature up to 240°C, short term up to 340°C
• Very close tolerances possible (to tolerance class T6)
• Very low heat of fusion (short cycle times possible)
• Flash-free injection moulding
• Very high tensile strength (up to 200 MPa) and tensile modulus (up to 30,000 MPa)
• Very low coefficient of thermal expansion, comparable with that of steel and ceramics
• Inherently flame-resistant (UL 94 V-0, some grades with 5 VA)
• Halogen-free without additives
• Very good resistance to chemicals and oxidation
   

These highly crystalline, thermotropic (melt-orienting) thermoplastics are distinguished from semicrystalline plastics by their special molecular structure, which consists of rigid, rod-like macromolecules that are ordered in the melt phase to form liquid crystal structures.

Grades

• Glass fibre reinforced
• Carbon fibre reinforced
• Fibre/filler modified
• Medical technology (MT®)
• Electro-plating
• Conductive
   

Processing

• Injection moulding
• Extrusion
• Co-extrusion
• Thermoforming
   

LCPs have replaced stainless steel in medical applications, with several grades compliant with USP Class VI guidelines and ISO 10993. They are resistant to gamma radiation, steam autoclaving, and most chemical sterilisation methods.