Depression of the crystal-nematic phase transition in thermotropic liquid crystal copolyesters

The crystal-nematic phase transition of a copolyester consisting of 20 mol% poly(ethylene terephthalate) and 80 mol% p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) was characterized by depression of the crystal-nematic transition by the addition of a liquid crystal diluent. This copolyester contains blocks of crystalline PHB. Its transition behavior was compared with thatrandom copolyester with diluent of the same composition. From the extrapolated transition temperature depression data, the heat of transition per mole of p-oxybenzoate was calculated as about 1.3 kcal/mol, with an entropy of about 2 cal/deg mol. This assumes that only the p-oxybenzoate unit crystallized from the nematic state. The validity of the Flory-Huggins model for this transition point depression was confirmed graphically by comparison with two different thermotropic-liquid crystal polyesters. These results may represent the first reported crystal-nematic temperatures and heats generated by the dilution method for liquid crystal copolyesters of this type.     

New polymer syntheses 16. LC-copolyesters of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid and 4-hydroxy benzoic acids

The polycondensation of 3-(4-hydroxy phenyl)-propionic acid, 4-Hypp, by means of acetanhydride or acetylchloride was conducted either in the presence or in the absence of a liquid reaction medium. DSC measurements, polarizing microscope, and X-ray diffraction studies indicate poly(4-Hypp) possesses at about 215°C a reversible first order transition between two solid phases. Copolyesters containing various mole ratios of 4-Hypp and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, 4-Hybe, were prepared by bulk condensation with acetanhydride at 320°C. At 4-Hypp/4-Hybe ratios less than 1.0:1.5 the reaction product was heterogeneous, containing crystals of pure poly(4-Hybe). Neither increasing the reaction time nor the variation of the transesterification catalyst resulted in an entirely homogeneous copolyester. However, for 4-Hypp/4-Hybe ratios greater than 1.0:1.5, ¹³C NMR spectra indicate perfectly random sequences. Also, terpolyesters containing 3-chloro-4-hydroxy- or 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid were heterogeneous with less than 30 mol % 4-Hypp. DSC measurements revealed for all polyesters a glass transition in the range of 55–78°C. Temperature dependent X-ray diffraction studies confirm that the solid phase is a s.c. LC-glss. Correspondingly low heat distortion temperatures were found by thermomechanical analyses. The copolyesters display under the polarizing microscope LC-phase up to temperatures of 450–480°C, where rapid thermal degradation prevents further investigations. In the case of the 4-Hypp/4-Hybe 1:1 copolyester, the LC-phase extends over a temperature range of about 400°C. TGA measurements indicate beginning thermal degradation at temperatures between 350 and 380°C.     

The effect of molecular weight on the structure and temperature behavior of a thermotropic main-chain liquid crystalline copolyester

The structure of a fully aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) copolyester poly-[(phenyl-p-phenylene)-co-(terephthalate)-co-(p-hydroxybenzoate)] (PES) prepared from terephthalic acid, phenylhydroquinone, andp-hydroxybenzoic acid at a molar ratio of 45/45/10, respectively, was studied at ambient and elevated temperatures by means of x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry as a function of molecular weight. On heating of PES fibers with fixed ends an irreversible phase separation process takes place above the glass transition point and two different crystalline phases are formed. A model is proposed where the phases are assumed to contain the constituents of the statistical copolymer in different amounts. The relative volume fraction of the two crystalline modifications depends on the molecular weight of the investigated fibers. At higher temperatures the melting of the two crystalline phases and their transition to a LC nematic mesophase is observed.     

Effect of temperature on the surface phase behavior of n-hexadecyl dihydrogen phosphate in adsorption layers at the air-water interface

We present the adsorption kinetics and the surface phase behavior of n-hexadecyl dihydrogen phosphate (n-HDP) at the air-water interface by film balance and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). A phase diagram, which shows a triple point at about 25.8 degrees C, is constructed by measuring the surface pressure (pi)-time (t) adsorption isotherms. Below 25.8 degrees C, each of the pi-t curves shows a plateau at about zero surface pressure indicating the existence of a first-order phase transition. The BAM observation confirms the order of this phase transition by presenting two-surface phases during this plateau. However, the BAM observation also shows clearly another second-order phase transition from an isotropic phase to a mosaic-textured liquid condensed (LC) phase. The initial phase is a gas (G) phase. Considering the peculiarity of the middle phase, we suggest this phase as an intermediate (I) phase. Above the triple point, the pi-t curves predict the existence of two-step first-order phase transitions. Similar to the results at lower temperatures, the BAM images show two-surface phases during these first-order phase transitions together with a second-order phase transition from an isotropic phase to an LC phase. These transitions are classified as a first-order G-LE (liquid expanded) phase transition, which is followed by another first-order LE-I phase transition. The second-order phase transition is an I-LC phase transition. Contrary to these results, at 36 degrees C both the pi-t measurements and the BAM observation present only two first-order phase transitions, which are G-LE at zero surface pressure and LE-LC transition at higher surface pressure. The shape of the domains during the main transitions shows a peculiar change from a circular at 20 degrees C to an elongated at 24 degrees C and finally to a circular shape at 36 degrees C. Such a change in the domain shapes has been explained considering the dehydration effect at higher temperatures as well as the nature of phases.     

热致液晶性序列嵌段共聚酯的多重热转变

本文利用DSC研究了热致液晶性序列嵌段共聚酯在不同升温速率时的多重熔融转变,和不同冷却速率对结晶与熔融过程的影响。发现T_(kn)和T_(ni)与热历史、升温速率及成形条件均无关,T_(kn)=425.86K,T_(nt)=480.60K;而T_(in)与T_(nk)随冷却速率增大而降低。     

Light induced shifts of ferroelectric mesophase transitions

Several series of recently synthesized chiral azobenzene liquid crystals exhibit transitions driven by both illumination and temperature: some compounds can be 'melted' from the SmC* phase to the isotropic phase by increasing illumination only; according to the phase sequences, SmA, TGBA, N*, and blue phases are also involved in such behaviour. The observed phenomena are reversible and transition temperatures are reproducible in identical light conditions. Some specific transitions have been studied. Their temperatures can be lowered to 10 degrees below the dark transition values by increasing the illumination of samples. Under illumination, those transitions exhibit first order behaviour.     

Light induced shifts of ferroelectric mesophase transitions

Several series of recently synthesized chiral azobenzene liquid crystals exhibit transitions driven by both illumination and temperature: some compounds can be 'melted' from the SmC* phase to the isotropic phase by increasing illumination only; according to the phase sequences, SmA, TGBA, N*, and blue phases are also involved in such behaviour. The observed phenomena are reversible and transition temperatures are reproducible in identical light conditions. Some specific transitions have been studied. Their temperatures can be lowered to 10 degrees below the dark transition values by increasing the illumination of samples. Under illumination, those transitions exhibit first order behaviour.     

Quinaldine: Accessing two crystalline polymorphs via the supercooled liquid

Quinaldine (2-methyl quinoline) is a liquid at room temperature, which can be supercooled to reach finally the glassy state. By heating the glass above the glass transition temperature T(g) = 180 K the sample performs two subsequent transitions into, likewise, dielectrically active phases. Thus, the reorientational relaxations of these phases as well as the kinetics of the phase transitions can be tracked in a highly resolved way by dielectric spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis clearly shows two structurally different crystalline phases in addition to the supercooled liquid. Calorimetric measurements support the notion of first order phase transitions, occurring irreversibly in the supercooled regime, and suggest that the intermediate crystalline phase is metastable, too. Analyzing the quite distinct dielectric relaxation strengths, we discuss the possible nature of the two crystalline phases. Additionally, a very similar behavior to quinaldine is observed for 3-methyl quinoline, indicating a broad field of polymorphism among the quinoline derivatives.     

Gas transport properties of liquid crystalline poly (ethylene terephthalate-co-p-oxybenzoate)

Gas transport properties are reported for a series of films prepared from thermotropic poly (ethylene terephthalate-co-p-oxybenzoate), or PET/PHB, having compositions of 60 and 80 mol % PHB. The mesomorphic and crystalline morphology of the copolyester films was examined by cross-polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and x-ray diffraction. Melt-processed films of both compositions appeared to exhibit an entirely anisotropic morphology with low levels of conventional crystallinity. Solution-cast films prepared from the 60 mol % material were found to contain a large fraction of isotropic regions, which become ordered upon annealing above the glass transition. Permeability measurements were made for He, H₂, O₂, N₂, and CO₂ at 35°C and the diffusivities were computed from time-lag data. The largely anisotropic films exhibit good barrier properties resulting from very low solubility coefficients. The partially isotropic 60 mol % films show much higher permeability coefficients driven primarily by increased solubility coefficients, while diffusivity is affected to a lesser extent. These results appear to contrast with what is observed in semicrystalline systems where increased crystalline order results in more dramatic reductions in penetrant mobility.     

热致液晶共聚酯对聚丙烯结晶的诱导作用

用差示扫描量热法和光学解偏振法研究了热致液晶性芳香共聚酯与聚丙烯共混物的等温和非多温结晶行为.结果表明,这一热致液晶聚合物对聚丙烯结晶有诱导成核和加速作用.当共聚酯含量在2-5％之间时,聚丙烯的结晶速率最快.偏光显微镜的观察揭示出在聚丙烯熔体中原位形成的液晶聚合物微纤诱导了聚丙烯横穿晶的形成.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel epoxy monomers and liquid crystal thermosets

Four new epoxy monomers have been synthesized and characterized as part of a program to prepare novel liquid crystal thermoset (LCT) materials. Three of the new epoxy monomers contained a biphenyl mesogen and were not liquid crystalline (LC). The remaining epoxy monomer, which contained a 1,4-dibenzoyloxybenzene mesogen, was synthesized in an overall yield of 30% and displayed a broad (83°C) nematic liquid crystalline phase. The new liquid crystalline epoxy monomer was cured at 120°C and postcured at 175°C with a stoichiometric amount of 1,4-phenylenediamine. The thermal transitions of the resulting LCT were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light optical microscopy (POM), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) as a function of cure time and temperature. A process characterization diagram was constructed which shows that LCTs based on this new LC monomer can be processed in the liquid crystalline phase over a broad range of times and temperatures. Qualitative agreement with previous epoxy LCT results was found, as LCT's with smectic phases and without clearing temperatures were observed at long cure times (high crosslink densities), whereas nematic phases with clearing temperatures predominated in networks at short cure times (low crosslink densities). © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Effect of molecular structure on the phase behaviour of some liquid crystalline compounds and their binary mixtures. I. 4-Hexadecyloxyphenyl-4-carboxybenzoate and 4-carboxyphenyl-4-hexadecyloxybenzoate

4-Hexadecyloxyphenyl-4-carboxybenzoate ( A ) and 4-carboxyphenyl-4-hexadecyloxy benz- oate ( B ) were prepared and thermally characterized by polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Both compounds possess high transition temperatures indicating the formation of linear dimer molecules in the solid and liquid phases. The infrared data support the conclusion that the alkoxyphenyl carbonyl unit in A is more polarizable and hence stabilizes the intermolecular packing, thus leading to enhanced mesogenicity. Mixtures of the two compounds were prepared and thermally characterized to construct the phase diagram that showed a simple eutectic behaviour in the solid-mesophase transitions, and a linear mesophase-isotropic transition temperatures. The latter behaviour was attributed to similar electronic factors in both molecules.     

Sn-containing liquid crystalline side group homopolymers with two glass transitions

Three homologous tin-containing homopolymers with a terminal CN-dipole in the side group have been synthesized and characterized by dynamical calorimetry, polarization microscopy, X-ray and dielectric methods. AFM was used to evaluate the texture at room temperature. Four different phase transitions were detected by DSC. The high temperature phases were identified by polarization microscopy as SmA and SmC. AFM-measurements show focal-conic domains at room temperature and confirm so the smectic nature of all phases. X-ray measurements on nonoriented samples give hints to a phase segregation on nanometer scale. Dielectric investigation and temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC) confirm clearly phase separation by appearance of two glass transitions related to the liquid order of the main chains and the liquid crystalline of the side groups.     

Structure and morphology of the 60/40 poly(p-oxybenzoate-co-ethylene terephthalate) copolymer

The copolyester composed of 60 mol% p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 40 mol% ethylene terephthalate has been studied extensively by earlier workers. However, some confusion exists particularly with respect to the nature of the thermal transitions and the possible presence of additional phases. In the present study we have examined this copolyester and found that it is possible to separate the material into soluble and insoluble fractions with significantly different ratios of p-hydroxybenzoic acid to ethylene terephthalate. In fact, the soluble PET-rich fraction is blocky in nature, while the PHBA-rich fraction is more random. The multiple thermal transitions can now be readily interpreted in terms of a heterogeneous composition which tends to segregate and phase separate.     

Free-standing smectic films at high temperature

Optical reflectivity studies on free-standing liquid crystal films above the bulk smectic temperature range have revealed different melting phenomena. Our measurements are performed on tilted smectic phases (smectic C*, smectic C) using optical microscopy in polarized light in order to visualize the changes of the film structure. We observe the formation of twodimensional defect structures from string-like lines in very thick (about 1000 layers) as well as in thin (about 20 layers) films. In thick films these structures nucleate around the temperature of the bulk smectic-cholesteric phase transition, while in thin films the formation of the defects occurs well above this temperature and just before the thinning transitions. In thick and intermediate thickness films, cholesteric or nematic droplets and a 'quasi-smectic' structure are observed. The films exhibiting the 'quasi-smectic' structure definitely exist at higher temperatures than the smectic films with the same thickness.     

Free-standing smectic films at high temperature

Optical reflectivity studies on free-standing liquid crystal films above the bulk smectic temperature range have revealed different melting phenomena. Our measurements are performed on tilted smectic phases (smectic C*, smectic C) using optical microscopy in polarized light in order to visualize the changes of the film structure. We observe the formation of twodimensional defect structures from string-like lines in very thick (about 1000 layers) as well as in thin (about 20 layers) films. In thick films these structures nucleate around the temperature of the bulk smectic-cholesteric phase transition, while in thin films the formation of the defects occurs well above this temperature and just before the thinning transitions. In thick and intermediate thickness films, cholesteric or nematic droplets and a ‘quasi-smectic’ structure are observed. The films exhibiting the ‘quasi-smectic’ structure definitely exist at higher temperatures than the smectic films with the same thickness.     

聚对苯撑对苯二甲酰胺液晶的相态转变

本工作以H(?)ppler流变粘度计、退偏振光法及小角激光光散射法研究了聚对苯撑对苯二甲酰胺的浓硫酸溶液在不同浓度和温度下的粘性行为、光学性质和区域结构的变化,发现聚对苯撑对苯二甲酰胺的各向异性溶液在不同温度下呈现向列型液晶和胆甾型液晶特征,说明芳香聚酰胺的液晶体系与小分子液晶相类似,也具有多种中介相的转变现象。这里的中介相转变是由向列型转变为胆甾型,但不是直接的同时是一个单变性的相转变过程。     

Density studies in terephthalylidene-bis-p-n-alkylanilines

The temperature dependence of density in terephthalylidene-bis-p-n-alkylanilines (TBAA5 and 6) is studied to investigate the phase transitions, associated volume jumps, order of the transitions, estimated pressure dependence of transition temperatures, and pretransitional effects. The compounds exhibit nematic, smectic A, smectic C, smectic F, smectic G and smectic H phases with higher clearing temperatures. The smectic A to smectic C transition, which is a fluctuation induced first order transition in TBAA5, is found to be a second order transition in TBAA5 and 6. The results are discussed in the light of other experimental reports. The estimated pressure dependence of transition temperatures along with the reported experimental P-T data are discussed. The N-S_A transition is first order in TBAA5 and 6. The studies across other transitions are also discussed.     

A DSC investigation of compatibility in blends of poly vinyl chloride and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer

In DSC-thermograms from blends of suspension-polymerized vinyl chloride and ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer (Levapren 450M, 45 wt % VAc), two glass transitions are observed. The transition temperatures are shifted towards each other. In precipitated samples, intermediate phases seem to be formed. The PVC-EVA (45 wt % VAc) system can be regarded as semi-compatible.