Synthesis and characterization of a graft side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane

• Synthesis and characterization of a graft side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane.
• Higher density mesogenic units and no residual Si–H in the graft side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane.
• Wider mesophase temperature range than its mesogenic monomer.

A graft side-chain crystalline polymer PI with polysiloxane as backbone and a liquid crystal polymer, poly{6-(4′-octyloxyphenyl-4″-benzoyl)hexyl acrylate}, as side chain has been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. Attaching mesogenic polymers to the polysiloxane main chain through ATRP technique brings about the high density of mesogenic units and avoids the subsequent crosslinking reaction by the residual Si–H in the traditional hydrosilylation. The properties of the graft liquid crystal polymer PI was studied in detail by TGA, DSC, POM and XRD. Thermal analysis shows that the polymer PI has wider mesophase temperature ranges with a high thermal stability in comparison to its mesogenic monomer.

A graft side-chain crystalline polysiloxane PI with a liquid crystal polymer, poly{6-(4′-octyloxyphenyl-4″-benzoyl)hexyl acrylate}, as side chain has been prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique increases the mesogenic density and avoids the subsequent crosslinking reaction by the residual Si–H in the traditional hydrosilylation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide