Synthesis of side chain liquid-crystalline polysiloxane containing trans-cyclohexane-based mesogenic side groups

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of nine new side chain liquid-crystalline polysiloxanes containing one cyclohexyl ring and another 2-4 aromatic rings in their mesogenic side groups are described. All synthesized polymers displayed nematic mesomorphism. Most of the polymers showed a very wide mesomorphic temperature range. The mesogenic core length has profound influence on the phase transitions of the polymers. The mesomorphic temperature range increased with increasing mesogenic core length.