Mesomorphic transitions in a mixture of a flexible and a semi-rigid polymer

Phase studies on a mixture of two polymers are presented, one of which is mesomorphic. We have systematically examined the influence of the molecular weight of the flexible polymer (including the oligomers) and of the semi-flexible polymer. In addition to the effect of the molecular weight, specific interactions are important for compatibility and formation of a homogeneous mesomorphic phase. The nature of this phase is demonstrated to be cholesteric and the pitch is determined.