NEW COMB-SHAPED POLYESTERS AND POLYAMIDES - SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, ANDPROPERTIES

The synthesis of a new type of polymers is reported, namely, polyester s and polyamides containing mesogenic groups in both the main chain an d the side chains. The mechanical and thermophysical properties of the se polymers were studied. The structure of films prepared from these p olymers was investigated by X-ray scattering. Compact arrangement of t he side chains belonging to the neighboring backbones was found to giv e rise to a layer structure. The axes of the backbones and of the side chains were shown to lie within the planes of these layers, the dista nce between the neighboring backbones being controlled by the length o f the side chains. However, sterical hindrance prevented the side chai ns of different macromolecules from interdigitation.