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    Molecular orientation in Langmuir–Blodgett films of polyfumarates carrying isopropylester and isopropylamide side chains

    Year: 2008

    Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Volume 321, Issues 1-3, 15 May 2008, Pages 82-86, 20111221

    Authors: Tsuyoshi Michinobua, Kazuya Nakada, Masaki Matsuda and Kiyotaka Shigehara

    Organizations: Institute of Symbiotic Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan

    Molecular orientation in Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of poly(diisopropyl fumarate) (PDiPF) and poly(isopropyl N-isopropyl fumaramate) (PiPFAE), prepared by solution polymerization and emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization, respectively, was investigated. The π–A isotherms of both polymers indicated formation of stable Langmuir monolayers. The refractive index measurements as well as the polarized IR and UV spectroscopy of the LB films revealed that the backbones of the polymers were oriented parallel to the dipping direction of the substrate. The LB films were applied to a nematic liquid crystal alignment film, and the relationship between optical axes of the LB films and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules was characterized. Utilization of PDiPF and PiPFAE as a matrix polymer for polymer dispersed liquid crystals was also examined, and a higher performance with a better contrast ratio was obtained for PiPFAE.