Main-chain biodegradable liquid crystal derived from cholesteryl derivative end-capped poly(trimethylene carbonate): synthesis and characterisation

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.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Main-chain biodegradable liquid crystal
• poly(trimethylene carbonate)
• cholesteryl derivative
• phase behaviour

Acknowledgements

This research work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China [51503093], the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [N130205001], the Science and Technology Committee of Liaoning Province [2015001007, 201501116], and the Science and Technology Bureau of Shenyang City [F16-205-1-37, F14-231-1-05].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Shenyang Science and Technology Bureau [F14-231-1-05,F16-205-1-37]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [51503093]; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [N130205001]; Science and Technology Committee of Liaoning Province [2015001007, 201501116].