Abstract
A new polymerizable macromer containing naphthalene ring in the mesogen, 4-butoxyphenyl 6-(6-(methacryloyloxy)hexyl)-2-naphthoate, has been synthesized. The chemical structure of the macromer was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and liquid crystal behavior was confirmed by polarized optical microscope (POM) and small angle X-ray (SAXS). Results from the POM showed nematic phase appearing at 101.9 °C and smectic phase at 83.8 °C while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested presence of a wide mesophase range between 50 and 104 °C. This macromer was used to synthesize a series of side-chain liquid crystal polymers (SCLCPs) with different molecular weights having narrow polydispersity (PDI) values via living atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The mesomorphic properties of the liquid crystal macromer and polymers were characterized by POM, DSC and SAXS. In addition, the frequency behavior of the polymers in a smectic phase is characterized by the storage modulus, G’, leveling off, at low frequencies. Complex viscosities, |η*| of the smectic phase exhibited a shear thinning behavior over the shear rates investigated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
