Liquid Crystalline and Mesomorphic Polymers

With contributions by internationally renowned researchers, this book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in a new class of liquid-crystalline compounds. The book begins with discussions of the theoretical aspects of cholesteric phase formation in polymers. The next part discusses recent work on polymers with mesogenic side groups (their molecular architecture, phase behavior, and dynamics in external fields, as well as their properties in mixtures with low-mass liquid crystals). The final group of chapters deals with mesomorphic systems that do not contain mesomorphic groups (for example, derivatives of polyorganophosphasenes, cellulose, and graphitizable carbons), as well as polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films (which have important practical applications), and the new and exotic bowl-shaped liquid-crystal materials. Interdisciplinary in its approach, the book will be of interest to researchers and practitioners in polymer science, liquid-crystal research, and materials science.