MSE308/T

San Gabriel, Clarriz A. MSE/4

These are class of materials that combine the properties of polymers with those of liquid crystals. HYBRIDS - show the same mesophases characteristic of ordinary liquid crystals, yet retain many of the useful and versatile properties of polymers. Placement of mesogens determines the type of PLC formed

Main-chain polymer liquid crystals (MC-PLCs) Side chain polymer liquid crystals (SC-PLCs)

Other factors influencing the mesomorphic behavior of polymers

presence of long flexible spacers low molecular weight regular alternation of rigid and flexible units along the main chain.

These are formed when rigid elements are incorporated into the backbone of normally flexible polymers. 1st group: characterized by stiff, rod-like monomers

2nd group: incorporates a mesogen directly into the chain

Temperature Range Problems

1. Arrangement of the monomers in the chain 2. Copolymerization

Temperature Range Problems 3. Creates 120 degree "kinks" in the chain

g 65 N 135 I
Racemic form MCLCPs have repeating mesogenic units

(CH2)6

Flexible alternating hydrocarbon spacers

n
Discotic cores of polymer are separated by long flexible chains which again give the polymer a sufficiently low melting point for mesogenic behaviour. In this case, as is common in discotic systems, a hexagonal columnar mesophase is exhibited (confirmed by X-ray) The M.Wt of polymer 24,000.

C6H13O

OC6H13

C6H13O

OC6H13

O C6H13O

O (CH2)11 O OC6H13 C6H13O

O (CH2)11 OC6H13

Formed when mesogenic units are attached to the polymer as side chains by flexible bridge

Have 3 major structural components: the backbone, the spacer, and the mesogen.

Polymer backbone

Terminally Attached

Laterally Attached

Spacer unit
Several methylene units, with ester or ether (for attachment)

Discotic mesogenic unit Calamitic mesogenic unit

A general template for side chain liquid crystal polymers

3 major structural components 1. The Backbone - the element that the side chains are attached to 2. The Mesogen - it is the alignment of these groups that causes the liquid crystal behavior.

3. The Spacer allows independent movement

Side chain polymer liquid crystals show a tendency to separate the backbone from the mesogenic side groups.

"double comb" configuration - formed when side chains point away from the backbone in an alternating fashion

Atactic polymers in addition to copolymers cannot form this structure because the side chains are connected to the backbone in random directions.

Third class of liquid crystal polymers is called combined liquid crystal polymers These polymers, combine the features of MCLCPs and SCLCPs.
Linking unit

spacer Side chain mesogenic uints Figure- A

Main chain mesogenic uints Figure - B

A general template for combined liquid crystal polymers

Side chain mesogenic units can be attached, via a spacer unit, to a mesogenic main chain either at the linking unit Figure - A or at the mesogenic unit Figure- B

HO

OH

O O Dicarboxylic acid

H2N
diamine

NH2

O O H N HN NH NH O O

Kevlar

Kevlar exhibits a namatic phase when dissolved in sulfuric acid, and extrusion in the nematic phase provides the great strength. It is well-known polymer material that is extremely strong and is used in bullet-proof vests in construction.

High-Strength Fibers: ex. Kevlar Optical Applications: ex. optical waveguides & electro-optic modulators in poled polymeric slab waveguides
Future: optically-addressed spatial light modulators, tunable notch filters, optical amplifiers, and laser beam deflectors