Synthesis and mesomorphism of new aliphatic polycarbonates containing side cholesteryl groups

The chemical structures and average molecular weights of the cyclic monomer, homopolymer and block copolymers obtained in this study were characterised using FT-IR, 1 H NMR and gel permeation chromatographic measurement.

The mesomorphism and mesophase structure were investigated with polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction measurement. As a result, the homopolymer and block copolymers showed an enantiotropic smectic A (SmA) phase. With the concentration of the lactide segment increasing, the glass transition temperature and isotropic temperature of the corresponding block copolymer all decreased.