title: SmCP-networked films obtained by in situ photopolymerization of neat reactive banana-shaped liquid crystals.
abstract: The synthesis and characterization of reactive banana-shaped compounds have been carried out, and their ability to be photopolymerized in their SmCP mesophase has been assessed. The presence of a SmCP liquid crystalline phase in these compounds has been confirmed by X-ray studies. The polymerization of these molecules has been demonstrated by calorimetric techniques as well as by the preparation and characterization of SmCP-ordered free films that are mechanically stable at room temperature. Furthermore, polymerized films exhibit second harmonic generation activity at room temperature in the absence of an electric field.
authors.affiliation: Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias-ICMA, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
authors.forename: Joaquín
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barberá
authors.forename: Nélida
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gimeno
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Monreal
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Piñol
authors.forename: M Blanca
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ros
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Serrano