Abstract: Styryloxy compounds of the formula IV ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are H, or one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is H and the other is methyl;R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 (which may be the same or different) are H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkenyl; or one of R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 may be --OR.sup.6 or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkenyloxy if R.sup.2 is not methyl;R.sup.6 is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR2## where R.sup.10 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl; and R.sup.11, R.sup.12 and R.sup.13, which may be the same or different, are H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl, are described as new low viscosity liquid styryloxy monomers which can be photocured and which form transparent polymers. They have an advantageous effect in a mixture with 4-allyloxystyrene, and this mixture has a synergistic effect in combination with divinyl ethers of a polyalkylene oxide.

Abstract: In a process for mass producing optical storage sheets, an elongate film of a liquid crystalline material is fed lengthwise along a path through an aligning gate. The aligning gate applies to successive areas of the film a field which aligns the molecules. The field may be an electric field and/or a shear field. An aligning layer, such as a surfactant layer may also be used for alignment of the film areas. The aligned film may then be cut into pieces for use as microfiches or microfilms. The film material is preferably a liquid crystal polymer material.

Abstract: Liquid crystal polymers of general formula ##STR1## wherein the ratio b : a is less than 3 and greater than O, X is a mesogenic group of formula ##STR2## where A and B are cyclic groups, preferably phenyl, which may carry lateral substituents, preferably methyl, R may be F, CH.sub.3, CN, R.sup.1 , OR.sup.1 or COOR.sup.1 where R.sup.1 is alkyl, Y is COO.sub.1 OOC, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2, c is 0 or 1. A preferred group X is ##STR3## The polymers may be used for optical information storage either alone or in mixture with other liquid crystals for example with smectic materials of formula ##STR4## where R" is alkyl or alkoxy and r is 0 or 1.