Ferroelectric Supramolecular Liquid Crystal Polymers Based on Lithium Polystyrene Sulfonate and Cholesterol

ABSTRACT Based on lithium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS‐0.1Li and PSS‐0.4Li) with varying lithium ion contents as the polymer matrix, a series of ferroelectric supramolecular liquid crystal polymers was synthesized by a liquid crystal monomer cholesteryl pyridin‐3‐yl terephthalate and polyetheramine (PEA) with different molecular weights (D230 and D400). The systematic investigation of the regulation mechanism of component ratios on the structure and performance of the material was conducted. The chemical structure, micro‐morphology, liquid crystal behavior, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the supramolecular polymers were characterized using various instruments and technological methods. Experimental results demonstrated that the liquid crystal monomer exhibited a cholesteric phase, whereas the supramolecular polymers presented a chiral smectic C phase. Its melting point temperature and clearing point temperature were modulated by the coordination of crosslinking density derived from PEA, ion coordination effects, and liquid crystal order. The ferroelectric performance was positively correlated with the content of the liquid crystal monomer in the supramolecular polymers. The supramolecular polymers showed excellent ferroelectric parameters including 154 nC/cm 2 of saturated polarization and 57 nC/cm 2 of residual polarization. This study systematically examined the relationship between structural composition factors, including molecular rigidity, crosslinking density, and lithium ionic strength in supramolecular polymers, and the performance of ferroelectric liquid crystals, thereby providing a theoretical exploration for the development of novel ferroelectric liquid crystal materials.