Synthesis and Study of Copolymers Bearing Two Coumarin Side Groups in Monomer Unit: Towards Photoalignment of Liquid Crystals

Photodimerization of coumarin derivatives in photoactive polymers under linearly polarized UV light irradiation is a photochemical reaction often used to prepare the surface alignment layer that can orient liquid crystals (LCs) due anisotropic interfacial interactions. Herein, we report synthesis series novel coumarin-containing copolymers and their use for photoalignment LCs. These have particular feature bearing two side groups each monomer unit, which designed high content chromophores. The LCs induced by layers investigated. It found effectively induce orientation LC molecules along direction polarization layers, with an order parameter around 0.5 achieved adjusting preparation conditions. Moreover, electro-optical behaviors cells made are investigated, confirming without rubbed surfaces. Optically inscribing nonuniform organized also demonstrated. This article protected copyright. All rights reserved