The semicrystalline morphology of a 73:27 mol% poly(hydroxybenzoate-co-hydroxynaphthoate) liquid crystal polymer is studied via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. A permanganic etchant was used for TEM sample preparation and the etchant composition was optimized for selectivity of the non-crystalline phase. Crystalline lamellae, developed during cooling from the nematic phase, measure approximately 10 nm in thickness and 100 nm laterally. The lamellae are periodic, having a repeat of 34 nm. Because the molecules are long (~ 200 nm) and extended, tie chains between lamellae are abundant. Crystallization must therefore occur via small axial shifts of approximately a monomer length. Based on our observations of disclination morphologies, the splay elastic constant is greater than that for bend, indicating considerable molecular semiflexibility. The interior morphology of bulk injectionmoulded specimens is also revealed following microtomy and selective etching. Molecular orientation and defect density can be accurately measured.
Посилання на статтю:
Transmission electron microscopic investigation of the morphology of a poly ( hyd r o xybe n zoate- cohydroxynaphthoate) liquid crystal polymer / Steven D. Hudson* and Andrew J. Lovinger // Polymer. – 1993. – Vol 34. – P. 1117-1118.
