Suspension polymerization of thermotropic monomer: Formation of droplets or beads

Ordered beads were obtained by the suspension copolymerization of amesogenic methacrylate-based monomer and methacrylic acid. The stability of these particles and the liquid crystal organization inside the particles depend mainly on the time of polymerization and on the crosslinking. Suspended droplets of monomers or polymers can be obtained as well as solid spheres. The solid particles exhibit ordered microstructures with a liquid crystal configuration that has a variable form depending on polymerization time and observation temperature. Bead characteristics such as morphology, size and polydispersity, and porosity are discussed and compared with those of non-mesomorphic beads. The mesomorphic beads are smaller and their porosity lower. The presence of a crosslinker during the polymerization process leads to more mechanically stable particles with retention of polymorphism.