ABSTRACTHigh strength, high modulus (2 GPa, 270 GPa, respectively) films have been produced with controllable planar orientation. Films were extruded from high viscosity nematic polymer solutions using rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic polymers. Novel solution processing and treatment were used to control orientation, microfibrillar structure and texture, and physical properties. The coefficient of thermal expansion of these films was tailored by orientation and addition of secondary materials. This resulted in applications for dimensionally stable electronic substrates and structures for spacecraft. Other applications include high temperature barrier films, thin-walled structures, lightweight capacitors, high temperature insulation and cryogenic tanks.