SYNTHESIS, THERMAL, AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYHYDROXYETHERS

High molecular weight liquid-crystalline polyhydroxyethers, containing functional hydroxy groups, were synthesized from an aromatic diol and the diglycidylether of an aromatic diol. The polymers showed a liquid -crystalline melt when about 70% or more of the aromatic units in the chain were biphenyl units. Tensile modulus values varied from 3 GPa fo r as-cast films to 6 GPa for drawn films. These polymers are potential ly suitable candidates to reinforce common thermoplastics by reactive blending. For this purpose polyhydroxyethers have been prepared, havin g a liquid-crystalline melt in the processing range of PET, viz. 260-2 90 degrees C. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.