Abstract
The rubbing-induced molecular alignment on a surface of polyimide with and without branched alkyl side chains was investigated with optical phase retardation measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and second-harmonic generation (SHG). Our AFM results suggest that the rubbing-induced microgrooves play a minor role in aligning liquid crystal (LC) molecules. From the SHG studies, the detailed in-plane distribution of a LC monolayer on rubbed polymers was deduced, and the polar angle of the LC molecules was found to vary with the rubbing strength exerted on an alkyl-branched polymer. The polar angle of the LC monolayer on an alkyl-branchless main-chain polyimide film was observed to be independent of the rubbing strength. We propose a simple molecular model to reconcile these experimental results.
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.
