Vapor treatment, liquid crystal formation, magnetic orientation, and crystallization (VLMC) to form helical polyisocyanides with oriented crystal‐like structure

Abstract

AbstractWe describe a four‐step process [solvent vapor treatment, liquid crystal formation, magnetic orientation, and crystallization (VLMC)] for producing oriented helical polyisocyanides with crystal‐like structure. We synthesized a series of ortho‐alkyl groups substituted with poly(phenyl isocyanide), and characterized the polymer structure using polarizing optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The results demonstrated that the polymer has a crystal‐like structure and the sample forms cholesteric liquid crystal phase. Vapor treatment of polymer films under a magnetic field produced an aligned fiber structure at the submicron level and demonstrated magnetic alignment and formation of a solvent vapor‐induced polymer crystal. These results demonstrated formation of a polymer with a one‐handed helical structure, formation of a liquid crystal and polymer crystal via solvent vapor treatment, and magnetic alignment of a textile‐like polymer crystal domain.