Smectic organization

The intention of this brief survey has been to demonstrate that besides the "classical" aspects of isotropic polymer solutions and the amorphous or partially crystalline state of polymers, a broad variety of anisotropic structures exist, which can be induced by definable primary structures of the macromolecules. Rigid rod-like macromolecules give rise to nematic or smectic organization, while amphiphilic monomer units or amphiphilic and incompatible chain segments cause ordered micellar-like aggregation in solution or bulk. The outstanding features of these systems are determined by their super-molecular structure rather than by the chemistry of the macromolecules. The anisotropic phase structures or ordered incompatible microphases offer new properties and aspects for application. 

Fig. 12 The surface-LC interaction energies vary with the distance to the surface. Close to the surface an ordered layer is related to the smectic organization. There exists a shearing plane at a distance where the energy of elastic deformation equals the excess energy due to surface interactions.

Later Drauglis developed a theory showing that lateral interaction between long chains will lead to a smectic organization of (3)... 

The pure LC gives x = 0.034 (after 500 hr). Thus it does not seem that the structure of the LC phase plays a role in the lubricating properties. Smectic organization in the vicinity of the solid surface provides the layered structure needed and their elasticity... 

Smectic. Table I lists the monomers of some polymers that show a sharp inner ring and thus have smectic organization. 

We have been unable to fit these data into the classification (for low molecular weight compounds) of deVries. The broadening of the lines may come from distortions of a smectic organization with interpenetration of the n-alkoxy chains from different molecules. The outer diffuse halo shows that no lateral regular packing exists between the side chains. 

Fisher space filling molecular models), (b) (right) Proposed smectic organization of PChAB, PChMA.and PChA. 

A schematic diagram of nematic and smectic organization in main chain polymers is shown in Figures 9 and 10. 

Figure 10. Smectic Organization in Main Chain Polymer. 

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