Influence of the Polymer Backbone Flexibility on the Phase Transitions of Side Chain Liquid Crystal Polymers Containing 6-(4-(4-Methoxy-Beta-Metylstyryl) Phenoxy)Hexyl Side Groups

摘要

The influence of the polymer backbone flexibility on the phase transition temperatures of side chain liquid crystalline polymethacrylate, polyacrylate, polymethylsiloxane, and polyphosphazene containing 6-(4-(4-methoxy-beta-methylstyryl)phenoxy)hexyl side groups is discussed. Flexible backbones enhance the decoupling of the motions of the side chain and main chain and, therefore, increase the rate of side-chain crystallization. Subsequently, the kinetically controlled crystallization process may transform the thermodynamically controlled mesomorphic phases from enantiotropic into monotropic. However, the highest degree of order in the mesophase is exhibited by the polymers based on the most rigid polymer backbone. Liquid crystal polymers, Backbone flexibility, Phenoxy compounds, Methacrylates. (mjm)