SYNTHESIS AND MESOGENIC BEHAVIOR OF METAL-CONTAINING LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE NETWORKS

A new hydroxy functionalized liquid crystalline (LC) polyazomethine ha s been synthesized by the solution polycondensation of a dialdehyde wi th a diamine. The polymer was characterized by IR, H-1-, and C-13-NMR spectroscopy. Studies on the liquid crystalline properties reveal the nematic mesomorphic behavior. This polymer functions as a polymeric ch elate and forms a three-dimensional network structure through the meta l complexation. Influence of various metals and their concentration on the liquid crystalline behavior of the network has been studied. Netw orks up to 30 mol % of the metal show LC phase transitions; above this the transitions are suppressed and the network behaves like an LC the rmoset. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.