Synthesis of fluorinated polymers via ROMP: a review

This review is concerned with the work conducted in the Durham group during the last twenty years. It is specifically concerned with ROMP of fluorinated monomers with classical and well-defined initiators, with the synthesis of stereoregular polymers, block and stereoblock copolymers.     

A new disc-shaped mesogenic compound with olefinic linkage derived from triphenylamine: synthesis, mesogenic behavior and fluorescence properties

A new disc-like triphenylamine containing mesogenic compound has been synthesized by the implementation of the Heck and ring-closing metathesis-based reactions in good yield. The designed and synthesized compound showed rectangular columnar mesophase and this is the first report of liquid crystalline phase of the triphenylamine-based compound with an olefinic linkage. The disc-shaped compound exhibited excellent fluorescence properties.     

The binary system composed of a bent-core compound forming a B7 phase and a nematogenic calamitic compound

The isobaric phase diagram for a binary system of liquid crystals is presented. One mixing component is a bent-core mesogen forming a B₇ phase and the other one is a nematogenic calamitic compound. The occurring mesophases have been identified by their optical textures as well as by X-ray investigations. The B₇ phase exists down to about 60 mol% of the bent-core compound A / 40 mol% of the calamitic compound B. Two additional mesophases are induced in the mixed phase region. At medium concentrations (around 50 mol%) an oblique columnar phase appears which shows a similar X-ray pattern to the B₇ phase but an utterly different nucleation on cooling the isotropic liquid and a completely dissimilar texture. At concentrations below 35 mol% A, a further phase is induced which possesses an irregularly modulated layer structure. This phase can be regarded as an intermediate state between the regularly modulated Col_r (B₁) phase and the intercalated B₆ phase. It transforms on cooling into the phase with a regularly modulated structure.     

C-F?Rb interaction in a fluorinated cage compound complex

A rubidium complex of a cage compound which is composed of fluorobenzene, ethylenedioxy, and bridgehead nitrogen donor units was prepared. The C-F?Rb⁺ interaction was clarified and evaluated for the first time by crystallographic analysis. The contribution degree of the three kinds of donor atoms for the cation binding was estimated by Brown’s bond valence equation.     

Cone motion viscosity and optical second harmonic generation of ferroelectric liquid crystalline dendrimers

We report second harmonic generation in a ferroelectric liquid crystalline trimer and ferroelectric liquid crystalline dendrimers of first, second and third generation. Thin cells were filled with the compounds by capillary forces at elevated temperature, and cooled from the surface stabilized ferroelectric state to below the glass transition temperature, while kept in an electric field. The cone motion viscosity and the threshold electric field for unwinding of the helix axis of the chiral tilted smectic mesophases were studied separately at elevated temperature, and these data were used to optimize the preparation of the films. The measured response time was between 0.3 and 3ms, which corresponds to a cone motion viscosity between 0.5 and 50 Pa s. Second harmonic generation was studied both at elevated temperature with an electric field and at room temperature with and without electric field. The first generation dendrimer exhibited a strong increase in the second order non-linear optical response with time at room temperature. The d ₂₃-coefficient of this dendrimer was approximately four times larger than for the other macromolecules and was 0.045 pm V^-1. The relatively large d-coefficient of the first generation dendrimer is ascribed to crystallization, which improved the orientation of the molecular dipoles.     

Observing molecular motions of a fluorinated ferroelectric liquid crystal using fluorine-19 NMR

Fluorine-19 NMR spectra have been recorded for both the phases (cholesteric and smectic C*) of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 2,3-difluoro-4-octyloxybiphenyl-4'(-4'-oxycarbonyl-(S)-1-chloro-3-methylbutyl)benzoate, using a conventional high-resolution NMR probe. The magnitude of the dipolar coupling constant, D_FF0, was found to increase with decreasing temperature in the cholesteric phase with a sudden increase (of approximately 1 000 Hz) at the cholesteric-smectic C* transition, whereafter a more gradual change was observed. The order parameter, was S_FF, subsequently calculated for each temperature.     

Constitutional bis(N-salicylideneaniline)s as new class of mesogens: synthesis and thermal properties

Twelve new constitutional bis(N-salicylideneaniline)s (BSANs) belonging to three different series have been prepared and characterised by the two-fold reaction of alkoxyanilines with 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde, 4,6-dihydroxyisophthalaldehyde and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde. Their thermal behaviour and liquid crystallinity has been established with the help of polarising optical microscope, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our study reveals this behaviour as determined by the nature of central core and the number of alkoxy tails. For example, the three series of compounds prepared are either non-mesomorphic or stabilised calamitic and discotic mesophases, such as nematic/smectic C and columnar (Col) phases. These materials represent the first examples of mesogenic BSANs exhibiting mesomorphism.     

Systematic study of the chiral smectic phases of a fluorinated compound

ABSTRACT

Physical properties of the partially fluorinated compound 3F5FPhF, with hockey stick-like molecules, were studied by complementary methods. Apart from the already reported paraelectric SmA*, ferroelectric SmC* and antiferroelectric SmC*_A phases, the presence of the smectic C*_α subphase in the phase sequence was proved by differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy, electro-optic and dielectric spectroscopy methods. The temperature dependence of the smectic layer thickness and correlation length of the lateral short-range order was determined by X-ray diffraction. Based on dielectric measurements three relaxation processes were revealed in the antiferroelectric SmC*_A phase (two collective: P_L, P_H and one molecular: s-process), two collective ones (Goldstone and soft modes) were found both in the ferroelectric SmC* phase and SmC*_α subphase while one relaxation process (soft mode) in the paraelectric SmA* phase. The results were compared with that obtained for other structurally similar compounds, and it was shown that even addition of one methylene group to the side chain influences much on the physical properties.     

Non-symmetrical bent-shaped compounds containing a chiral moiety

The synthesis and mesomorphic properties of new non-symmetrical bent-shaped compounds containing a chiral moiety are reported. These materials were built up from 3-hydroxybenzoic acid as a central unit with a chiral terminal group derived from lactic acid. A columnar phase of the B_1REV type with tilted molecules was observed in a wide temperature range down to room temperature. The ferroelectric-like character of switching with one peak in a half-period of the triangular electric field was observed and supported by texture observations and electro-optical changes. A longer terminal group ending with a double bond makes the compounds ready for polymerisation.     

Biphasic ethylene polymerisation using ionic liquid over a titanocene catalyst activated by an alkyl aluminium compound

1-n-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminate ([BMIM]⁺[AlCl₄]⁻) was applied to biphasic ionic liquid/hexane ethylene polymerisation as a medium of the Cp₂TiCl₂ titanocene catalyst activated by alkylaluminium compounds (MAO, AlEt₂Cl, AlEt₃). The best results were obtained using AlEt₂Cl. The results show that catalyst recycling, higher ethylene pressure, and greater Al/Ti molar ratio along with a greater volume of the ionic liquid phase enhance catalyst activity. The polyethylene gathered from the hexane phase is characterised primarily by its high purity. Its physical properties remain polyethylene obtained over a heterogeneous metallocene catalyst. Thus, biphasic ionic liquid polymerisation using a metallocene catalyst is possible and offers interesting technological implications.     

Synthesis of new monodendrons,gallic acid derivatives,self- assembled in a columnar phase

This article describes the synthesis and liquid crystal properties of new compounds that are derived from gallic acid. All the compounds were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR), Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Elemental analysis (CHN). The mesophases of these compounds were characterised using polarising optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and SAXS measurements. The morphology of the surface of the films was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Compounds 9 and 13, which remain in a supercooled state until room temperature, do not exhibit liquid crystalline behaviour. The other compounds (i.e., 5, 7 and 8) self-assemble into tubular supramolecular architectures generating hexagonal columnar (Col_h) mesophases, which was confirmed by SAXS measurements.     

Control of liquid crystal droplet configuration in polymer dispersed liquid crystal with macro-iniferter polystyrene

A polystyrene macro-iniferter was applied to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules at the droplet wall of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films. The aspects of the alignment were monitored by observing the droplet in the PDLC film. With increasing the macro-iniferter polystyrene in the composition, the configuration of LC droplets changes from bipolar to radial. This is because the high concentration of the macro-iniferter polystyrene results in a small surface interaction between the LC and the polymer matrix, which favours the formation of radial configuration. The radial configuration was stable under our conditions. However, increasing the LC and the initiator concentrations resulted in the change from radial to bipolar.     

Influence of mesogenic core polarity and position of chains attachment on columnar phase stability

Series of new Ni(II) metalomesogens of triangular molecular shape and forming Col_h liquid crystalline (LC) phase were synthesised and described. Using in the molecular core the barbituric moieties that contain carbonyl or thiocarbonyl groups causes strong polarisation of the molecules and creates a permanent dipole moment μ, which was confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations. The relationship between molecular dipole moment and self-organisation of molecules into the columnar phase was considered. The position of alkyl and alkoxy chains substituted at phenyl ring that affects LC phase formation seems to be connected with planar conformation of the attached chains. These can broaden the mesogenic core and stabilise the Col_h mesophase.     

Synthesis of a new fluorinated fluorescent β-cyclodextrin sensor

The synthesis of a new fluorescent sensor incorporating a fluorinated indolizine unit bound to 6-amino-β-cyclodextrin by two different synthetic ways is described. Its sensing ability toward adamantanol has been demonstrated.     

Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and electro-optical studies of a new,partially fluorinated orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystal material exhibiting V-shaped switching

In this paper we report the results from detailed electro-optical and dielectric studies in various antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases of an orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystal (OAFLC) material . The material possesses high tilt and high spontaneous polarisation. Such an OAFLC, because of its high tilt, provides an excellent dark state. The material exhibits V-shaped switching in the SmC* phase. Dielectric studies reveal the existence of another phase during heating in the range between 78.6 and 92°C which did not appear in the DSC curve and in polarising microscopy. This phase has been identified as the SmC_γ* phase and is extremely sensitive with respect to the cell conditions, aligning material, purity, etc. Three dielectric modes have been assigned in the above-mentioned temperature range and their origins are discussed.     

Tuning hydrophobicity of a fluorinated terpolymer in differently assembled thin films

In the current report, casting from good solvent (acetone) and casting from mixed solvent and nonsolvent were employed for preparing thin films of terpolymer of T etrafluoroethylene (TFE), H exafluoropropylene (HFP), and V inylidene fluoride (VDF) (THV), on silicon wafers. These films revealed various morphologies and wetting behaviors depending on the solution concentration, temperature, and thin film preparation method. The THV thin films prepared by casting from good solvent showed smooth morphology with holes. The thin film prepared from a 3 wt % THV/acetone solution by casting from good solvent at 15 °C demonstrated spheres in addition to the smooth morphology, while the thin film prepared from a 5 wt % THV/acetone solution at 15 °C by casting from good solvent had a mesh‐like structure with some linked spheres. Casting the thin films from mixed solvent and nonsolvent resulted in various morphologies such as different sphere sizes embedded in a dense film layer, and hexagonal close packed structures. The thin films prepared by casting from good solvent showed a slightly hydrophobic character, with a measured water contact angle of approximately 99°, while the nonsolvent cast films had a water contact angle as high as 145°. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 643–657     

Room-temperature ferroelectric and ferroelastic orders coexisting in a new tetrafluoroborate-based perovskite

The coexistence of multiferroic orders has attracted increasing attention for its potential applications in multiple-state memory, switches, and computing, but it is still challenging to design single-phase crystalline materials hosting multiferroic orders at above room temperature. By utilizing versatile ABX₃-type perovskites as a structural model, we judiciously introduced a polar organic cation with easily changeable conformations into a tetrafluoroborate-based perovskite system, and successfully obtained an unprecedented molecular perovskite, (homopiperazine-1,4-diium)[K(BF₄)₃], hosting both ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity at above room temperature. By using the combined techniques of variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray structural analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, and dielectric, second harmonic generation, and piezoresponse force microscopy measurements, we demonstrated the domain structures for ferroelectric and ferroelastic orders, and furthermore disclosed how the delicate interplay between stepwise changed dynamics of organic cations and cooperative deformation of the inorganic framework induces ferroelectric and ferroelastic phase transitions at 311 K and 455 K, respectively. This instance, together with the underlying mechanism of ferroic transitions, provides important clues for designing advanced multiferroic materials based on organic–inorganic hybrid crystals.

An unprecedented tetrafluoroborate-based perovskite reveals the coexistence of ferroelastic and ferroelectric transitions arising from delicate interplay between stepwise frozen organic cations and cooperative deformation of the framework.     

Polarisation-dependent dielectric processes in ferroelectric liquid crystals

The behaviour of dielectric relaxation process has been investigated in four ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials having different spontaneous polarisation (Ps) values. Ps effect on the permittivity in four different FLCs has been carried out in highly anchored sample cells around ~8 μm thick. It has been found that the main contribution to the dielectric permittivity in chiral Smectic C (SmC*) phase is due to Goldstone mode (GM) and partially unwound helical mode (p-UHM). In higher PS value FLC materials, the p-UHM process is found to dominate the dielectric properties. It has also been observed that p-UHM process is highly dependent on the probing ac voltage and temperature, whereas GM is found to be weakly dependent of probing voltage and temperature in SmC* phase of all the studied FLC materials. The influential contribution of p-UHM has exhibited the dielectric properties in its intrinsic frequency range making the materials suitable for futuristic display and photonics devices.     

Enhanced stability of the columnar matrix in a discotic liquid crystal by insertion of ZnO nanoparticles

An experimental characterisation of dispersions of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in the columnar matrix of a discotic liquid crystal has been carried out. Thermophysical properties have been investigated by absorbance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, polarising optical microscopy, dielectric measurements, dc conductivity, X-ray diffraction and infrared (IR) dichroism technique. The experimental results show that inclusion of ZnO NPs into the columnar matrix enhances the orientational order in the columnar phase and does not affect the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice. The alignment in homeotropic samples is also found to be better with the addition of the NPs. The real (?′) and imaginary parts (?′′) of the permittivity increase by a small amount in the dispersions. The order parameter measured using the IR dichroism technique in the face-on geometry (homeotropic alignment) shows an enhancement for the composite system. The dc conductivity is also found to increase by an order of magnitude by addition of the NPs. These results suggest an improved stacking of the disc-like molecules within the columns by the insertion of the ZnO NPs possessing high charge mobility. Such composite systems would be highly beneficial for potential applications such as organic conductors.