DIPOLAR RELAXATIONS IN THE GLASS TRANSITION REGION AND IN THE LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE PHASE OF 2 SIDE-CHAIN LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYSILOXANES

The molecular relaxation mechanisms in the glass transition region and in the liquid crystalline phase exhibited by two side-chain liquid cr ystalline polysiloxanes have been studied by Thermally Stimulated Disc harge Currents. These results were compared with those previously obta ined by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. It was observed that two r elaxation mechanisms were present in the liquid crystalline phase, and we suggest that these might correspond to the motions of the mesogeni c moieties in the liquid crystalline phase. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.