The influence of lateral substituents in the mesogens of Liquid Crystalline Side Group Copolymethacrylates on the phase behaviour

Abstract

The phase behaviour of lateral substituted side group copolymethacrylates was investigated. With structural changes it is possible to influence the phase behaviour of the polymers. The lateral substituents have a stronger influence in side group polymers then in low molecular systems because of the coupling of the mesogens via the main chain. According to simulations, the possibility of rotational motions of the side groups around their long axis is hampered by a lateral substitution.With the described structural changes in the mesogen we have synthesized side group copolymethacrylates on the border between the liquid crystalline and the amorphous state.In some further papers we will discuss the consequences of a lateral substitution in the mesogen in the described materials for the dielectrical and photochemical behaviour.