THERMOTROPIC LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE BEHAVIOR OF AN AMPHIPHILIC POLYMER LACKING MESOGENS

The thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior of a new kind of amphiphi lic polymer without mesogens is reported. The existence and structure for the polymeric mesophase are confirmed and characterized by DSC, X- ray diffraction, optical polarized microscopy, and temperature-depende nt FTIR. Due to strong interactions between pendent long alkyl chains, we conclude that some hydrophobic semirigid rods form and are respons ible for mesophase formation. Moreover, the flexible polymer network m ight act as a unique ''spacer'' group and also assist in mesophase for mation.