Smectic networks obtained from twin LC epoxy monomers?mechanical deformation of the smectic networks

Deformation experiments were carried out for densely crosslinked smectic-like networks obtained from diepoxy monomers with twin mesogen architecture. For the initially unoriented smectic networks, the network could be aligned up to an orientation parameter of 0.35 by applying 8 MPa of external stress in the rubbery regime. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the deformed smectic network possesses both smectic-A like and smectic-C like structure. It is thought that after extension domains initially oriented parallel to the external stress displayed a smectic-A-like structure, whereas domains initially tilted with respect to the tensile direction showed a stress-induced smectic-C like structure. A smectic network oriented under a.c. electric fields with an orientation parameter of 0.4 had a smectic-A like structure and possessed linear elasticity in the rubbery regime.