RIGID MALEIMIDE-ALT-VINYLPYRIDINE COPOLYMERS WITH PENDANT CHROMOPHORES - SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND MONOLAYER FORMATION

A new series of rigid polymers was synthesized via radical copolymeriz ation of N-phenylmaleimides, bearing pendant chromophores, with 4-viny lpyridine or styrene. Structural characterization was achieved by H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), el emental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The ther mal properties as well as the morphology of the investigated polymers at the air-water interface appear to be related to their rigidity. In spite of the presence of excellent mesogenic units, the polymers do no t exhibit liquid crystalline behaviour. The 4-vinylpyridine copolymers form stable monolayers at the air-water interface. The attached chrom ophores electronically behave as monomers, as shown with in situ UV-VI S absorption spectroscopy. Brewster angle microscopy shows a spontaneo us aggregation of these polymers into domains on a neutral subphase, w hereas on an acidic subphase a more homogeneous monolayer is formed. T he monolayers give Z-type transfer onto hydrophilic quartz. However, t he chromophores seem to be oriented randomly at the substrate surface. The styrene copolymers do not form stable monolayers as a result of c rystallization at the air-water interface.