Vapor treatment, liquid crystal formation, magnetic orientation, and crystallization (VLMC) to form helical polyisocyanides with oriented crystal-like structure

We describe a four-step process [solvent vapor treatment, liquid crystal formation, magnetic orientation, and crystallization (VLMC)] for producing oriented helical polyisocyanides with crystal-like structure. We synthesized a series of ortho-alkyl groups substituted with poly(phenyl isocyanide), and characterized the polymer structure using polarizing optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrated that the polymer has a crystal-like structure and the sample forms cholesteric liquid crystal phase. Vapor treatment of polymer films under a magnetic field produced an aligned fiber structure at the submicron level and demonstrated magnetic alignment and formation of a solvent vapor-induced polymer crystal. These results demonstrated formation of a polymer with a one-handed helical structure, formation of a liquid crystal and polymer crystal via solvent vapor treatment, and magnetic alignment of a textile-like polymer crystal domain.