Investigation on stilbene‐ and azobenzene‐based liquid crystalline organophosphorus polymers

Two series of combined liquid crystalline polyphosphates bearing dual photoreactive mesogenic units (stilbene and azobenzene/α‐methylstilbene and azobenzene) were synthesized by solution polycondensation method. The structures of the synthesized polymers were confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that they are stable between 230 and 320°C. Differential scanning calorimetry studies were done to study the liquid crystalline property, and glass‐transition, melting, and isotropization temperatures for all the polymers. Polarizing optical microscope shows the birefringent melt for all the polymers exhibiting liquid crystalline property. The photochemical response was studied by UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy for all the polymers. The photocrosslinking reaction of the stilbene containing polymers was ascertained by spectroscopic and photolysis studies. The rate of the switching time for the conversion of trans to cis form of azobenzene unit was investigated by UV spectroscopy. The terminal substituents in the side chain affects the texture of liquid crystalline phase for all the polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007