Ionic liquid crystalline systems with branched or hyperbranched polymers

Thermal, liquid crystalline, and orientational properties of ion complex-type liquid crystalline systems with branched or hyperbranched polymers were estimated. In this research, branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI), polyallylamine (PAA), poly (amido amine) dendrimer (DD), alkanoic acid (Cn) and an azobenzene derivative (5 Az 8) with a terminal carboxyl group were used. Polyion complexes were prepared by the proton-transfer reaction of polyamines and carboxylic acids. The liquid crystalline systems formed fluid smectic mesophases. The ionic interactions lead to the formation of liquid crystalline phases and the enhancement of thermal stability. The introduction of branched chains decreased isotropization temperature and isotropization enthalpy of the liquid crystalline systems.