Effect of chiral monomer containing D(+)-camphoric acid on the optical properties and phase behaviours of side-chain cholesteric liquid crystal polymers

ABSTRACT

Cholesteric liquid crystals with selective reflection have important applications in the field of light control and optical thin films. In this study, a series of side-chain cholesteric liquid-crystal polymers (named as PPL series) was synthesised by a one-step hydrosilylation reaction among monomer LA containing cholesterol group, monomer LB containing D(+)-camphoric acid group and monomer LG containing cyano group. The chemical structures and the mesogenic properties of the monomers and polymers were determined by usual test methods. Testing results showed that PPL series polymers had excellent thermal stability and wide range of mesophases. As the content of monomer LB increased, PPL₁-PPL₆ could be observed colourful Grandjean textures and good selective reflection. The optical rotation experiment indicated that the rotation direction of the PPL series was consistent with that of the monomer LB, and the specific rotation was linearly related to the content of the monomer LB.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Cholesteric liquid-crystal polymers
• D(+)-camphoric acid
• mesomorphic properties
• selective reflection

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

1. Joint fund of National Natural Science Fund [U1708258]. 2. Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [N180705004].