Abstract
A novel series of poly(arylidene-ether)s containing cyclopentanone was synthesized by polycondensation of 4, 4′-diformyl-α, ω-diphenoxyalkane and 4, 4′-diformyl-2, 2′-dimethoxy-α, ω-diphenoxyalkane with cyclopentanone. The polymers were characterized by elemental and spectral analyses, inherent viscosity, solubility and thermal analyses. Their thermotropic liquid crystalline properties were examined by DSC, optical polarizing microscopy using a heated stage and thermogravimetric analyses. Almost all the polymers exhibited thermotropic liquid crystalline properties. In most cases the mesophase extends up to 358°C, where thermal decomposition prevents further observations. In addition, the crystallinity of some polymers was examined by x-ray analysis; all showed some degree of crystallinity. The morphology of one polymer was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).