Eur. Phys. J. B 5, 79-85 (1998)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510050421

Strong anisotropic nematic order in liquid crystal polymers: a quasi-elastic neutron scattering study

¹ Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, avenue A. Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France
² Institut Laue Langevin, 156X, 38042 Grenoble Cedex, France

Corresponding author: ^a dianoux@ill.fr

Received: 29 October 1997
Revised: 22 January 1998
Accepted: 11 May 1998
Published online: 15 September 1998

Abstract

From quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments performed in glassy, nematic and isotropic phases, the dynamics of oriented samples of strong anisotropic side-on fixed liquid crystal polymers have been analysed. Using the selective deuteration method, we are able to attribute motions to specific parts of the molecule in the parallel and perpendicular orientations. The motions of the whole macromolecule decrease as soon as the temperature decreases below the isotropic-nematic transition. Nevertheless, the motions of the polymer backbone, compared to the whole polymer dynamics, are systematically reduced, even in the isotropic phase. Moreover, an anisotropy of the motions is revealed, with a reduction in the direction parallel to the orientation. An harmonic character of the vibrational processes is also evidenced. We conclude that the anisotropy of the dynamic corroborates the anisotropy of conformation of the macromolecule (so-called jacketed structure).