Synthesis and characterization of new segmented polyurethanes with side-chain, liquid-crystalline chain extenders

Liquid-crystalline, segmented polyurethanes with methoxy-biphenyl mesogens pendant on the chain extender were synthesized by the conventional prepolymer technique and esterification reaction. Two, side-chain, liquid-crystalline (SCLC) polyurethanes with mesogens having spacers of six and eight methylene units were prepared. The structures of the mesogenic units and SCLC polyurethanes were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and H-1 NMR. Polymer properties were also examined by solubility tests, water uptakes, and inherent viscosity measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated that the transition temperature of the isotropic to the liquid-crystalline phase decreased with increasing spacer length. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) studies revealed the existence of liquid-crystalline phases for both SCLC polyurethanes. Polarized optical microscopic investigations further confirmed the thermotropic liquid-crystalline behaviors and nematic mesophases of both samples. Thermogravimetric analysis displayed better thermal stabilities for both SCLC polymers and indicated that the presence of mesogenic side chains may increase the thermal stability of segmented polyurethanes. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 290-302, 2004