This study demonstrates the synthesis of smectic liquid crystalline polyimides (LC-PIs) with reduced dissipation factors (Df) by incorporating phenyl benzoate units and alkyl chains into the polyimide backbone to promote mesogen stacking. Compared to conventional polyimides derived from pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′-oxydianiline, the LC-PIs exhibited significantly lower Df. The functional groups responsible for increasing Df were visualized via molecular dynamics simulations, applying a virtual alternating electric field to 3D models of the LC-PIs, the structures of which were confirmed using wide-angle X-ray diffraction.
- Hayato Maeda
- Yucheng Liang
- Teruaki Hayakawa
