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
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
79104 Freiburg
Germany