UNIQUE ELECTRICAL, ELECTROCHEMICAL AND OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYHEPTADIYNE DERIVATIVES WITH LONG SIDE-CHAINS

Conducting poly(1,6-heptadiyne) derivatives substituted with long side chains containing mesogen units such as poly(bis(4-methoxy-4 '-hexylo xybiphenyl)-dipropargyl malonate) (PMHBDPM) exhibit unique characteris tics typical to both liquid crystal and conducting polymer. PMHBDPM ex hibits novel spectral change corresponding to the electrochemical dopi ng both to polymer main chain and also to the core of mesogen unit in the side chain. Ion diffusion constant evaluated from the doping and u ndoping characteristics also increases in the temperature range of liq uid cystalline phase. Unique dielectric properties and X-ray diffracti on characteristics have also been observed in the mixture of PMHBDPM w ith ferroelectric liquid crystal of low molecular weight.