Branched thermotropic liquid crystal polymer with favourable processability and dielectric properties

Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymer (TLCP) has emerged as a promising material for 5G mm-wave antennas due to its low dielectric constant and loss at high frequencies. However, its low melt viscosity, inadequate melt elasticity, and rigid rod-like macromolecular chain with easy orientation pose a significant challenge in the production of isotropic films. In this study, in order to improve the melt viscosity and melt elasticity of TLCP, a multifunctional epoxide-based branching agent (ADR 4468) was applied to produce branched TLCP. The impact of the branched structure on linear viscoelastic, thermal, mechanical, and dielectric performance was investigated. Results from linear rheological characterizations indicated that complex viscosity and storage modulus of modified TLCP samples were significantly enhanced, indicating the presence of long-chain branches. The mechanical performance of modified samples was scarcely affected by the concentration of ADR 4468, with a tensile strength of approximately 245 MPa, and Charpy notched impact strength of approximately 30 KJ/m2. However, with an increase in ADR 4468 content, the dielectric constant increased (from 3.25 to 3.30 at 10 GHz) as well as the dielectric loss (from 1.36 × 10−3 to 2.14 × 10−3 at 10 GHz). Based on the overall performance, the optimal content of ADR 4468 was found to be about 2–3 wt%. These findings offer insights into the potential applications of modified TLCPs as substrates for 5G mm-wave antennas.