Objective Research objectives and content The aim of the project presented here is to synthesise liquid crystalline elastomers containing metal complex monomer units and to study their thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. While organic polymers have been found to be a valuable class of liquid crystal materials, rnetallomesogenic polymers constitute one of the most recent contribution to liquid crystal science. These polymers combine the specific properties resulting on inclusion of metal (paramagnetism, dichroism) with those of polymers such as the ease of process ability, good orientation in external fields, and the ability to stabilise the liquid crystalline order. Furthermore, cross-linking of such systems can lead to elastomers, with exceptional properties like for example the rubber elasticity. The study of such materials represents a fascinating challenge as the combination of all these properties could be the basis of new effects and devices. The synthesis of the targeted monomers and polymers is well known, and thus will allow the obtention of results rapidely. Here, the monomer is a flexible, monodentate para-substituted pyridine and, polysiloxane will be used as the backbone. In these elastomers, the metal acts as the crosslinker. The elastic properties will be particularly investigated as well as the birefringence. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) Polymer sciences and elastomers Physical methods Good practice of German Very broad and very solid knowledge in the field of liquid crystals Attractive candidate for a permanent position in a European university or in a European research institute Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciencesengineering and technologymaterials engineeringliquid crystals Programme(s) FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants TC07 - Molecular Aspects of New Materials Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships) Coordinator Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg EU contribution No data Address 31,Stefan-Meier-Straße 79104 Freiburg Germany See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Not available France EU contribution No data Address See on map Total cost No data
