Abstract
Numerous cholesteric copoly(ester-imide)s were prepared by polycondensation of N-(4-carboxyphenyl)trimellitimide (in the form of the dichloride) with isosorbide and various diphenols. 1, 6-hexanediol was incorporated as a flexibilizing component in various molar ratios. In two cases 1, 1′-decanediol was used. All copoly(ester-imide)s proved to be non-crystalline materials with glass transition temperatures (T gs) between 110 and 180 °C and a broad cholesteric melt. Most copoly(ester-imide)s derived from substituted hydroquinones were capable of forming a Grandjean texture upon shearing and of fixing the Grandjean texture upon cooling below T g. However, 2, 7-dihydroxynaphthalene proved to be unfavourable for the formation of a Grandjean texture.