Comparative Study of Two Twin Liquid-Crystalline Diglycidyl Ethers Containing Azomethine Moieties

Two different twin liquid-crystalline diglycidyl ethers containing azomethine moieties were synthesized and characterized and their mesomorphic behaviors, thermal properties, and mechanical properties were compared. It was found that 4,4'-di(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-N-benzylidene-o-tolidine-cured systems gave higher thermal and mechanical properties than 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-di(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-N-benzylidene-o-tolidine-cured systems. All liquid-crystalline behaviors exhibited by the products were found to be in the nematic phase. In addition, the higher curing ratios used resulted in higher thermal stability as well as mechanical properties in terms of pendulum and pencil hardness but lower impact properties.