Abstract
We utilized the Light Scattering from Anisotropy of Turbidity (LSAT) method and determined the three Frank’s elastic constants of; "splay" (K1), "twist" (K2) and "bend" (K3), in dilute solutions of polycarbonate (PC) in 4-pentyl-4’-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) nematic liquid crystal solvent. Within the limited solubility range of PC/5CB solutions, we determined the elastic constants of 5CB as a function of the concentration and molecular weight of PC. The results showed that K2 increases, K1 and K3 decrease, whereas K1/K3 and <K> ratio remain almost invariant by increasing the PC concentration and molecular weight.In contrast to the theoretical models and experimental data, the values and trends of K1, K2 and K3 moduli indicate that, increase of K2 at the expense of K1 and K3 moduli is due to extended chain conformation PC polymer structure and enhancment of lateral interactions between PC and 5CB moieties.
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