X-ray study of bilayer tilted structures for side-chain liquid crystal polymers

Abstract

Structural investigations using X-ray diffraction on methacrylate and acrylate based polymers with different side-chain mesogenic units are presented. The measurements were carried out by means of diffractometers with one and two-coordinate proportional chambers. The bilayer tilted smectic C-2 phase was identified in all of polymers. The structural models bearing the regular alternation of the direction of tilt for side-chains in bilayers are discussed in connection with possible polar (ferroelectric) or antiferroelectric behaviour of achiral mesogenic polymers. The results of repolarization experiments are discussed.