Polymer Networks Containing Cholesteryl Compounds of Different Functionality

The synthesis of densely crosslinked polymer networks with a helicoidal structure from various cholesteryl compounds is described. By mixing nematic diacrylates with cholesteryl compounds of different functionality, cholesteric phases are obtained. The reflection wavelength can be varied by the composition of the mixture. Isothermal photopolymerization leads to crosslinked networks with different fixation of the cholesteryl compounds to the network depending on their functionality. The influence of temperature and organic solvents on the reflection wavelength as well as the angular dependence of the reflection wavelength have been investigated.