Main-chain biodegradable liquid crystal derived from cholesteryl derivative end-capped poly(trimethylene carbonate): synthesis and characterisation |
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| Authors: | Guixiang Chen Xiaofeng Liu Yujiao Xie Zhihao Guo Miao Li |
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| Institution: | 1. Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China;2. Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China;3. Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China |
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| Abstract: | Main-chain biodegradable liquid crystal derived from cholesteryl derivative end-capped poly(trimethylene carbonate) was investigated. The novel liquid crystal was synthesised via ring-opening polymerisation of trimethylene carbonate initiated by cholesteryl derivative with an alkyl spacer and end primary hydroxyl group, without any catalyst. The chemical structure of resulting polymers was verified by 1H NMR. Liquid crystalline properties were validated by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarising optical microscopy. The results showed that all the synthesised polymers Chol-(CH2)2-(TMC)n exhibited mesomorphism in particular temperature ranges because of the introduction of the cholesteryl derivative moiety. |
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| Keywords: | Main-chain biodegradable liquid crystal poly(trimethylene carbonate) cholesteryl derivative phase behaviour |
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