Langmuir-Blodgett(LB) multilayers were prepared from disc-shaped multiyne mesogens based on amphiphilic alkyl pentakis(aryl-ethynyl)benzene ethers. The two compounds used are characterized by five hydrophobic flexible chains and one hydrophilic substituent at the terminal position of the alkoxy chain. The LB films were analysed by X-ray scattering and spectroscopic measurements. An edge-on arrangement of the two discotic pentaalkynes within Y-type bilayers with a different packing density proved to be possible for the LB films of both compounds.
The molecular structure of poly(p-phenylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole) (POD) is investigated using i.r. and Raman spectroscopy. Both methods reveal characteristic differences for the a- and b-POD forms that are most obvious in the spectral region between 1500 and 1650 cm-1. The spectra for dimer and tetramer compounds already show the same features as found for longer chains. Based on molecular modelling calculations these differences are assigned to cis and trans conformations of the main chain segments. High pressure measurements show a linear shift of the Raman lines and support the result of the thermodynamic stability of the trans conformation.
Thin films in the range of 50 nm to 10 mm thickness have been prepared from NMP solutions of silicon-containing polyphenylquinoxaline-amides which had been synthesized by the polycondensation reaction of aromatic diaminophenylquinoxalines with bis(p-chlorocarbonylphenyl)diphenylsilane. A spin-coating technique onto glass plates or onto silicon wafers was used to make the film, followed by gradual heating to remove the solvent. The resulting films were very smooth and free of pinholes when studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). They showed a strong adhesion to silicon wafers, were thermally stable in air to above 400 °C and their dielectric constant was in the range of 3.5-3.7. Thermal treatment of the films was performed in order to induce crosslinking. Such treated films became completely insoluble in organic solvents, maintained their smoothness and strong adhesion to the silicon substrate, and did not show any Tg, in DSC experiments. Their FTIR spectra in reflection mode did not show any changes compared with the untreated films, meaning on the one hand that the polymers maintain their structural integrity at high temperature and on the other hand that the number of crosslinks was very low and could not be detected by IR spectroscopy.