This research consists of two parts. The first part deals with synthesis and investigation of novel functional mesogens. Their molecular architecture is such that ordered polymerization (e.g. topochemical effects) and/or ordered polymers with desirable material properties can be achieved. Among the low-mass compounds and polymers to be investigated are: novel electrolytes and polyelectrolytes incorporating charged mesogens; a variety of structures derived from monacetylenic and diacetylenic mesogens; compounds containing a short siloxane sequence; copolymers containing functional groups for lateral reinforcement of a previously ordered mesophase. Ordered polyelectrolyte complexes, investigation of topotactic polymerization within mesophases and materials for optoelectronic applications are envisaged. In the second part, inherently flexible main-chain polymeric liquid crystals based on alternating mesogens and spacers, as well as their mixtures with conventional thermoplastic polymers, will be studied. Phase behavior (under atmospheric and high pressure), morphology of the mesophase, viscolelastic properties, orientational and conformational order will be investigated.
