Side chain liquid crystalline polymers at interfaces

This review presents a sketch of the current status and future trends in the field of organized films from liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) at the interfaces. Among the various classes of polymeric systems used to fabricate organized films, we select sidechain LCPs because of their natural tendency to form organized planar structures at the interfaces. We focus on microstructural behavior in different classes of LCPs and their abilities to form various organized superstructures on surfaces and interfaces. The following LCPs are discussed: polymers with chromophore and non-linear optic fragments, chiral polymers, discotic, systems, and LCPs with specific interactions. Types of interfaces considered are, mainly, liquid-gas, solid-gas, and solid-liquid. LCPs can be organized at these interfaces by various fabrication techniques, such as Langmuir-Blodgett, chemical and physical self-assembly, and forced solution removal. Physical properties of these films and their microstructures are discussed briefly with emphasis on optical, electric, transport, and sensing capabilities. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.