Definitions of basic terms relating to polymer liquid crystals -: (IUPAC recommendations 2001)

The document first gives definitions of basic terms related to liquid-crystalline and mesomorphic states of matter and then terms specific to the classification of liquid-crystal polymers. The terms have been restricted to those most commonly encountered in the structural description of the latter class of materials. The terms have been selected from the recently published comprehensive document "Definitions of basic terms relating to low-molar-mass and polymer liquid crystals" [Pure and Applied Chemistry 73 (5), 845-895 (2001)] and are intended to form a readily usable guide for the reader interested in the structural description of polymer liquid crystals. The more comprehensive document be used for terminology associated with types of mesophases and the optical and physical characteristics of liquid-crystalline materials. The advice given by representatives of the International Liquid Crystal Society for the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged.