SmCP-networked films obtained by in situ photopolymerization of neat reactive banana-shaped liquid crystals

The synthesis and characterization of reactive banana-shaped compounds have been carried out, and their ability to be photopolymerized in their SmCP mesophase has been assessed. The presence of a SmCP liquid crystalline phase in these compounds has been confirmed by X-ray studies. The polymerization of these molecules has been demonstrated by calorimetric techniques as well as by the preparation and characterization of SmCP-ordered free films that are mechanically stable at room temperature. Furthermore, polymerized films exhibit second harmonic generation activity at room temperature in the absence of an electric field.