| Abstract: | A series of polyamide-azomethine-ethers was prepared by condensation of 4,4′-diaminoanilide with 4,4′-diformyl-α,ω-diphenoxyalkane, 4,4′-diformyl-3,3′-methoxy-α,ω-diphenoxyalkane, and 4,4′-diformyl-3,3′-ethoxy-α,ω-diphenoxyalkane, respectively. The inherent viscosities of polymers were obviously increased when the polymers were treated by heat under nitrogen at 220°C. The thermotropic liquid crystalline properties were examined by DSC, microscope observations, and TGA. All of the polymers, except polymer A-1, exhibit thermotropic liquid crystalline properties. They also exhibit threaded and/or Schlieren textures examined by the polarizing microscope which indicate a nematic phase. In most cases, the mesophase exists up to ca. 400-460°C shown by TGA study. The mesophase cannot exist above 400-460°C because of the thermal decomposition. |
