The subject of liquid crystals and their use in electronic displays and
in non-linear optical systems has become of tremendous importance during
the last decade; and the incorporation of liquid crystal units into
polymeric materials has led to a group of new materials with diverse
properties. Some of these properties have been utilized in new products
and some have yet to be used. Much published work has appeared that
deals with specific materials or particular applications, and it was
felt that a book was needed to examine and explain the underlying
principles governing the diverse properties of these liquid crystal
polymers, LCPs. The current work describes the diverse nature of LCPs,
their synthesis, characterization, properties and finally their
applications. It describes the manner in which liquid crystallinity or
mesomorphism occurs in small molecules, monomer liquid crystals and
polymer liquid crystals. Chapter 1 gives a classification of the various
ways in which the meso- gens may be connected to the polymer chains.
Currently, the bulk of LCP material is based on main chain or
longitudinal LCPs for use in engineering applications. The side chain or
comb polymers are intended for use in electronics and opto-electronic
systems and as surfactants. Many other variants and possibilities exist
but their properties have not yet been fully studied or used. In this
respect it is hoped that the current work will indicate future
possibilities as well as discussing current opinion. v Preface vi
Chapters 2 and 3 describe methods of characterizing the mesophases.
