Abstract
Two copolymers based on N-(4-formyl-fenoxy-4`-carboylphenil)maleimide have been synthesized. The first one was prepared by free radical polymerization of this monomer with styrene. The second one was obtained by chemical modification reaction with p-amino-azobenzene of the resulting first copolymer. The structures of these polymers were identified and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. A strong birefringence in the melting state was observed for some of these compounds, suggesting a possible liquid crystalline behaviour. Keywords: maleimide, alternant copolymers, azobenzene groups