Ionic residual conduction in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

Electrical measurements were performed by the electrodialysis method at 124°C, on the isotropic phase of a liquid crystal (E.P.P.H. : p(ethoxy phenylazo) phenyl heptanoate, nematic range 60–119°C). A discussion of the results, based on the relaxation of ionic dissociation equilibrium displaced by electrolysis, shows that the electrical behaviour of the purest liquid is not specific but arises from well-defined natural slow dissociation of impurities in minute concentrations. The dissociation and recombination kinetic constants of an overall equivalent electrolyte, and the mobilities of resulting ions, are determined.