LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE NETWORKS OF POLYMETHACRYLATES

LC networks on the basis of methacrylate and dimethacrylate components were synthesized via bulk and precipitation copolymerization. Up to a n amount of crosslinking component of 1 mol-% a smetic A phase is obse rved. The networks with 3 and 5 mol-% only show a nematic phase. From X-ray diffraction an orientation of the smectic phase was observed tha t derives from surface effects or biaxial swelling. It was found that the orientation can be increased by multiple swelling/deswelling cycle s.