SUPRAMOLECULAR ORGANIZATION OF MODEL LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE IONOMERS

A mesogenic cation was associated with low molecular weight carboxylat o- and sulfonato(semi)telechelic polymers. These compounds were prepar ed by ion-exchange of the quaternary ammonium group attached to the me sogen for the metal counterion of the halato(semi)telechelic polymer. The accordingly formed liquid crystalline halato(semi)telechelic polym ers (LC H(S)TP's) were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC), polarized-light optical microscopy (POM), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). On the basis of these experimental results, a model for the supramolecular organization of the LC H(S)TP's is proposed. T he final morphology results from the interplay of two competitive effe cts: the dipolar interaction of the ion-pairs known for multiplet form ation and the propensity of the mesogenic moiety to form mesophases. T he outcome of this competition depends on the mobility of the mesogeni c counterion, i.e., on the strength of the dipolar interactions, the m obility of the polymer backbone and the mesogen/polymer ratio which is controlled by the molecular weight of the polymer.