Synthesis and phase behaviour of new biodegradable liquid crystalline polycarbonate derived from side chain cholesteryl derivative |
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| Authors: | Zhihao Guo Qun Li Xiaofeng Liu Liqun Yang |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, P.R. China;2. Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, Shenyang, P.R. China |
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| Abstract: | A new cholesterol side-functionalised polycarbonate was synthesised through a coupling reaction between the terminal carboxyl group of the monomer 6-cholesteroxy-6-oxocaproic acid (COHA) and side hydroxyl group of the polycarbonate (PHTMC). The chemical structures of the intermediate compounds, monomers and polymers obtained in this study were characterised with FT-IR and 1H NMR spectrum. Their phase behaviour and thermal stability were investigated using polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The monomer COHA showed a cholesteric phase, while the corresponding cholesterol side-functionalised polycarbonate P(TMC-g-COHA) revealed a smectic A phase. This behaviour was attributed to an increased density of the mesogenic units in side chain and hence an ordered organisation into the mesophase. Furthermore, P(TMC-g-COHA) could exhibit a liquid crystalline state below body temperature (≈37°C). This fact indicated it could be used clinically as a self-assemble material with orientational-order mesophase. In addition, P(TMC-g-COHA) had a good thermal stability, the corresponding thermal decomposition temperature was 241°C. |
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| Keywords: | Biodegradable polycarbonate liquid crystalline phase behaviour cholesteryl |
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