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ABSTRACT
In this study, we designed, synthesised and characterised two series of cholesteric liquid crystal polymers, QP series and ZP series. With polymethylhydrosiloxane as the main chain, QP series were synthesised by copolymerisation between the monomer M1 containing a cholesteryl mesogenic unit and the monomer M2 with a hydroxyl. ZP series, meanwhile, were synthesised by esterification between QP series members and the monomer M3, a carboxylic acid with an azo mesogenic unit. We characterised chemical structures of all the monomers and polymers by FT-IR and 1H-NMR, which proved that the target monomers and polymers had been obtained. We observed dramatic colour changes after the introduction of monomer M3 and Grandjean textures from both QP series and ZP series using POM. In addition, strong selective reflection could be observed as well. Then, we characterised the thermal properties of polymers by DSC, TGA and XRD to explore their phase transition behaviours further. Their photoresponsive and photochromic properties were characterised by UV-Vis spectrum.
Graphical abstract
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.