Effects of molecular weight on liquid-crystalline behavior of a mesogen-jacketed liquid crystal polymer synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization

H. Zhang, Z. Yu, X. Wan, Q. F. Zhou, E. M. Woo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The synthesis of poly {2,5-bis[(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrene} (PMPCS) with different molecular weight and low polydispersity was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization in methoxybenzene solution using 1-bromoethylbenzene as an initiator and CuBr/sparteine complex as a catalyst. The concentration of the living centers throughout the polymerization was found to be constant. The liquid-crystalline behavior of the polymers with Mn ranging from 3800 to 17,400 g/mol was studied using DSC and POM. Only the polymers with Mn beyond 10,200 g/mol formed a liquid-crystalline phase, which was quite stable with a high clearing point (higher than the decomposition temperature of the polymer).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2357-2361
Number of pages5
Journalpolymer
Volume43
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002 Feb 18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of molecular weight on liquid-crystalline behavior of a mesogen-jacketed liquid crystal polymer synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this