Abstract
We report effects of disorder due to random cross-linking on the nematic to smectic-A phase transition in smectic elastomers. Thermoelastic data, stress-strain relations and high-resolution x-ray scattering profiles have been analyzed for two related compounds with a small and a larger nematic range, respectively, each for 5% as well as 10% cross-links. At 5% cross-link density the algebraic decay of the positional correlations of the smectic layers survives in finite-size domains, providing a sharp smectic-nematic transition. At an increased cross-link concentration of 10% the smectic order disappears and gives way to extended short-range layer correlations. In this situation neither a smectic-nematic nor a nematic-isotropic transition is observed anymore. The occurrence of disorder at a relatively large cross-link concentration only, indicates that smectic elastomers are rather resistant to a random field. The temperature dependence of the correlation lengths and thermoelastic behavior suggest a shift to a "parasmectic" regime of a first-order smectic-isotropic transition.
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.
