Structure and Phase Transitions of Poly(heptamethylene p,p′‐bibenzoate): Time‐Resolved Synchrotron WAXS and DSC Studies

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Abstract
Time‐resolved wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarisation microscopy studies, were applied to investigate the structure and phase transitions of poly(heptamethylene p,p′‐bibenzoate). Temperature dependencies of several structural parameters were determined. Complete transformation from an isotropic melt to a smectic phase was suggested whereas the transition from a smectic to crystalline phase is only partial (around 30%), although it takes place from the ordered SCA phase. Crystals are formed within the SCA domains with nearly the same coherent length. On the basis of the analysis of the position and the profile of the diffuse wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and mesogenic layer spacing, it was assumed that either crystallisation modifies the smectic structure, or mesophase losses its positional order because of the lack of mobility of the spacers at low temperatures. WAXS scattering profiles corresponding to P7MB: a) cooling from the isotropic melt at 2 °C · min−1; b) subsequent melting at 12 °C · min−1. magnified image WAXS scattering profiles corresponding to P7MB: a) cooling from the isotropic melt at 2 °C · min−1; b) subsequent melting at 12 °C · min−1.