Macromolecules, Vol.41, No.14, 5361-5364, 2008
Regular undulation morphology observed on fracture and film surfaces of chiral S-C* polymer
The chiral smectic C* (Sc*) solid was prepared from the main-chain type of liquid crystal polymer, and its surface morphologies on the fracture and film surfaces were studied by SEM and AFM observations. Very clear undulation with a regular repeating can be detected by both methods. The peak to peak distance corresponds to the helical pitch of chiral Sc* phase, and the depth from top to bottom is 10-15% and 2-3% of the pitch length for the fracture and film surfaces, respectively. Such a distinct undulation morphology results from the helical arrangement of polymers which are incorporated into the macrohelix of Sc*. This Study shows that the inner nanostructure can induce the surface nanostructuring which Could be applied to the optical devices.