Donghua University (DHU) has achieved a major breakthrough in advanced materials, with its latest research project on liquid crystal polyarylate (LCP) fibers reaching “internationally advanced” status, according to an expert appraisal organized by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) in Zhejiang Province.
The project, “Industrialization Technology for Key Equipment and Core Processes in Liquid Crystal Polyarylate (LCP) Synthesis and Fiber Preparation”, was led by DHU in collaboration with three domestic technology enterprises. Its certification marks a pivotal shift for China from long-standing reliance on imports to independent control of high-performance LCP fiber technology, a critical strategic material.
LCP fibers are widely regarded as indispensable in national security-related sectors such as aerospace and electronic communications, owing to their exceptional properties, including ultra-high strength, high modulus, heat resistance, low dielectric loss, and stability under extreme conditions. For years, however, core technologies and global markets in this field were dominated by overseas suppliers.
To address this gap, DHU launched independent research as early as 2008, completing full-process laboratory validation by 2019. The latest industrialization milestone demonstrates that the research team has not only overcome key scientific challenges but also achieved system-level breakthroughs in scaling up, from core equipment development to integrated production processes. The team has established a fully independent intellectual property system and stable manufacturing protocols, strengthening the security of China’s industrial supply chains. A defining feature of the project is its end-to-end innovation across polymerization, spinning, and heat treatment. The resulting products have reached internationally advanced standards in general specifications and surpassed benchmarks in high-end segments, including high-strength, fine-denier, and colored fibers.
The project also represents a transition from technological breakthrough to industrial leadership. DHU has led the formulation of the national standard for Liquid Crystal Polyarylate Filaments (GB/T 46185-2025), while a kiloton-scale production line for LCP resin and fibers has been successfully established, featuring mature processes and stable operations. The materials have already been deployed in key strategic sectors, delivering notable economic and social benefits and underscoring the effectiveness of industry–university–research collaboration.
As the project’s lead institution, DHU provided comprehensive support spanning molecular design, process innovation, equipment development, and application validation. This integrated approach has accelerated the alignment of innovation, industry, and talent pipelines. Partner enterprises contributed critical capabilities in engineering, resin supply, and large-scale production, jointly setting a new benchmark for industrialization.
The achievement marks another milestone in DHU’s efforts to support national innovation-driven development and advance a modern industrial system. It further strengthens the university’s influence in high-performance materials and reinforces its role in enhancing strategic security and driving high-quality industrial growth.
