THE INFLUENCE OF LATERAL SUBSTITUENTS IN THE MESOGENS OF LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE SIDE-GROUP COPOLYMETHACRYLATES ON THE PHASE-BEHAVIOR

The phase behaviour of lateral substituted side group copolymethacryla tes was investigated. With structural changes it is possible to influe nce the phase behaviour of the polymers. The lateral substituents have a stronger influence in side group polymers then in low molecular sys tems because of the coupling of the mesogens via the main chain. Accor ding to simulations, the possibility of rotational motions of the side groups around their long axis is hampered by a lateral substitution. With the described structural changes in the mesogen we have synthesiz ed side group copolymethacrylates on the border between the liquid cry stalline and the amorphous state. In some further papers we will discu ss the consequences of a lateral substitution in the mesogen in the de scribed materials for the dielectrical and photochemical behaviour.