LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE POLYACRYLATE CROSS-LINKED WITH ALPHA, OMEGA POLYISOPRENE DIACRYLATE SEGMENTS

The preparation of functionalized cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolym erization with a liquid crystalline monomer are reported in this paper . A sample of natural rubber Hevea Brasiliensis with HO end group was reacted with acryloyl chloride. The copolymerization between telecheli c acrylate polyisoprene and [(4'-methylphenyl)benzoyloxy-4-oxytetramet hyl] acrylate (LCM) was performed by radicalar reaction using 2,2'-azo isobutyronytrile as the initiator. The LCM incorporation into the copo lymer was analysed by H-1 NMR and TGA measurements. The product exhibi ts liquid crystalline properties observed by polarized optical microsc opy and DSC. Some particular mechanical properties were also evaluated by oscillatory tests.