ADHESIVE LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

The synthesis and characterization of liquid-crystalline polymers with possible good adhesive properties is reported. These polymers are pre pared by alternating copolymerization of maleic anhydride and mesogeni c alkenes. The spacer length m is varied (m = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9) and methoxybiphenyl is used as the mesogenic group. The glass transition temperature decreases and the isotropization temperature increases wit h spacer length. Depending on the spacer length and temperature, S-B a nd S-Ad mesophases can be observed. After annealing, spin-coated films of these polymers show very regular layered structures with a layer s pacing similar to that in the bulk.