Abstract
Polymer stabilization (PS), in which mesogenic monomers doped in a liquid crystal (LC) medium are photocured by UV light, is an attractive technique because the physical property of LCs can be improved and furthermore new characteristics may arise. In this study, we have investigated the effects of polymer doping on the phase stability of LC, i.e., whether PS can expand the temperature region in which a LC phase appears. The clearing point decreases even in PS-LCs photocured at the nematic (N) or smectic (Sm) phase temperature. Therefore, it is found that the stabilization of the usual isotropic liquid phase is due to the disordering of the molecular orientation by polymer main-chain networks. Since the phase diagrams are not different between the PS-LCs photocured at the N and SmA phases, it is found that the polymer may not stabilize the Sm layer structure. Moreover, it is found that the SmA phase can be stabilized even in the PS-LC photocured at the N phase.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
