SIDE-CHAIN LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS AT INTERFACES

This review presents a sketch of the current status and future trends in the field of organized films from liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) at the interfaces. Among the various classes of polymeric systems use d to fabricate organized films, we select sidechain LCPs because of th eir natural tendency to form organized planar structures at the interf aces. We focus on microstructural behavior in different classes of LCP s and their abilities to form various organized superstructures on sur faces and interfaces. The following LCPs are discussed: polymers with chromophore and non-linear optic fragments, chiral polymers, discotic, systems, and LCPs with specific interactions. Types of interfaces con sidered are, mainly, liquid-gas, solid-gas, and solid-liquid. LCPs can be organized at these interfaces by various fabrication techniques, s uch as Langmuir-Blodgett, chemical and physical self-assembly, and for ced solution removal. Physical properties of these films and their mic rostructures are discussed briefly with emphasis on optical, electric, transport, and sensing capabilities. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.