Molecules

Editorial

Jump to: Research

4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial: Special Issue “Liquid Crystals 2020”

by Viorel Cîrcu, Doina Manaila-Maximean and Valery A. Loiko

Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083359 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

This Special Issue, entitled “Liquid Crystals 2020”, is a collection of ten original research papers, including two feature papers, on theoretical and experimental advanced studies of liquid crystal science and technology [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

10 pages, 2487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multimode Robust Lasing in a Dye-Doped Polymer Layer Embedded in a Wedge-Shaped Cholesteric

by Tatevik M. Sarukhanyan, Hermine Gharagulyan, Mushegh S. Rafayelyan, Sergey S. Golik, Ashot H. Gevorgyan and Roman B. Alaverdyan

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 6089; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26196089 - 8 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2517

Abstract

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with induced defects are one of the most prominent materials to realize compact, low-threshold and tunable coherent light sources. In this context, the investigation of optical properties of induced defect modes in such CLCs is of great interest. In [...] Read more.

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with induced defects are one of the most prominent materials to realize compact, low-threshold and tunable coherent light sources. In this context, the investigation of optical properties of induced defect modes in such CLCs is of great interest. In particular, many studies have been devoted to the spectral control of the defect modes depending on their thickness, optical properties, distribution along the CLC, etc. In this paper, we investigate the lasing possibilities of a dye-doped polymer layer embedded in a wedge-shaped CLC. We show that multimode laser generation is possible due to the observed multiple defect modes in the PBG that enlarges the application range of the system. Furthermore, our simulations based on a Berreman 4 × 4 matrix approach for a wide range of CLC thickness show both periodic and continuous generation of defect modes along particular spectral lines inside the PBG. Such a robust spectral behaviour of induced defect modes is unique, and, to our knowledge, is not observed in similar CLC-based structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defect Structures of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Smectic A Liquid Crystals

by Vladimíra Novotná, Lubor Lejček, Věra Hamplová and Jana Vejpravová

Molecules 2021, 26(18), 5717; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185717 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

Topological defects in anisotropic fluids like liquid crystals serve as a playground for the research of various effects. In this study, we concentrated on a hybrid system of chiral rod-like molecules doped by magnetic nanoparticles. In textures of the smectic A phase, we [...] Read more.

Topological defects in anisotropic fluids like liquid crystals serve as a playground for the research of various effects. In this study, we concentrated on a hybrid system of chiral rod-like molecules doped by magnetic nanoparticles. In textures of the smectic A phase, we observed linear defects and found that clusters of nanoparticles promote nucleation of smectic layer defects just at the phase transition from the isotropic to the smectic A (SmA) phase. In different geometries, we studied and analysed creation of defects which can be explained by attractive elastic forces between nanoparticles in the SmA phase. On cooling the studied hybrid system, clusters grow up to the critical dimension, and the smectic texture is stabilised. The presented effects are theoretically described and explained if we consider the elastic interaction of two point defects and stabilisation of prismatic dislocation loops due to the presence of nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
Texture of inclusions in a hybrid system of liquid crystalline compound DL10* with magnetic nanoparticles at 5 °C below the isotropic–SmA phase transition temperature. Orientation of the polariser (P) and the analyser (A) is depicted. The width of the picture is 240 μm. Full article ">Figure 2
Microphotographs of the studied hybrid system in a commercial HG cell, thickness—5 μm, in the SmA phase at T = 98 °C (a) under the applied electric field, E, with the intensity of 50 V/μm in the perpendicular direction, and (b) after switching off the field after 10 seconds. Full article ">Figure 3
Texture of small focal conics and small prismatic dislocation loops in the studied hybrid composite system: (a) in the crossed position of the analyser (A) and the polariser (P) and (b) in depolarised light. The width of the picture is 120 μm. Clusters of nanoparticles are visualised as black dots accompanied by line defects, either focal lines or dislocation lines. Full article ">Figure 4
Microphotographs of a droplet on a glass plate: (a) under crossed polarisers and (b) the identical part of the sample in depolarised view with a common scale bar for all three figures. The inset in (a) shows the border of the droplet in an enlarged view and (c) presents focal conics in the thicker part of the droplet. Full article ">Figure 5
Schematic drawing of a prismatic dislocation loop with the Burgers vector 2b in smectic layers. Rod-like molecules in layers are presented as small rods. A vacant volume is designed in the center of the loop where nanoparticles can condense. Orientation of the applied coordinate system is depicted; note that the z-axis is oriented along the layer normal. Full article ">Figure 6
Schematic drawing in the plane (y,z) shows a nanoparticle cluster incorporated into the smectic layer system. The cluster in this scheme has an ellipsoidal profile along with the layer normal and is covered by a shell of disordered molecules influenced by the molecular interaction with the cluster’s surface. The cluster within the shell is enveloped by prismatic dislocation loops (not included in this figure, for the illustration see <a href="#molecules-26-05717-f005" class="html-fig">Figure 5</a>). Full article ">

9 pages, 2785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anomalous Lehmann Rotation of Achiral Nematic Liquid Crystal Droplets Trapped under Linearly Polarized Optical Tweezers

by Jarinee Kiang-ia, Rahut Taeudomkul, Pongthep Prajongtat, Padetha Tin, Apichart Pattanaporkratana and Nattaporn Chattham

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4108; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144108 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

Continuous rotation of a cholesteric droplet under the heat gradient was observed by Lehmann in 1900. This phenomenon, the so-called Lehmann effect, consists of unidirectional rotation around the heat flux axis. We investigate this gradient heat effect using infrared laser optical tweezers. By [...] Read more.

Continuous rotation of a cholesteric droplet under the heat gradient was observed by Lehmann in 1900. This phenomenon, the so-called Lehmann effect, consists of unidirectional rotation around the heat flux axis. We investigate this gradient heat effect using infrared laser optical tweezers. By applying single trap linearly polarized optical tweezers onto a radial achiral nematic liquid crystal droplet, trapping of the droplet was performed. However, under a linearly polarized optical trap, instead of stable trapping of the droplet with slightly deformed molecular directors along with a radial hedgehog defect, anomalous continuous rotation of the droplet was observed. Under low power laser trapping, the droplet appeared to rotate clockwise. By continuously increasing the laser power, a stable trap was observed, followed by reverse directional rotation in a higher intensity laser trap. Optical levitation of the droplet in the laser beam caused the heat gradient, and a breaking of the symmetry of the achiral nematic droplet. These two effects together led to the rotation of the droplet under linearly polarized laser trapping, with the sense of rotation depending on laser power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
Schematic illustration of the optical tweezers setup on an inverted microscope. Full article ">Figure 2
Microscopic images taken under crossed polarizers and a one-wavelength plate inserted diagonally for director orientation mapping. (a) A 19-μm radial NLC droplet suspended in water. The droplet configuration is spherically symmetric, the so-called ‘radial hedgehog’. (b) By applying the linearly polarized laser onto the droplet, the defect in the middle shifted slightly to the side along the polarization direction of the laser, β = 135° with respect to a horizontal direction. This distorted configuration caused by the alignment of the molecules in the laser beam pointed toward the laser polarization direction, thus pushing the defect to the side. Full article ">Figure 3
An NLC droplet under linearly polarized laser trap was found rotating clockwise at laser power 298 mW. The laser polarization direction was set at an angle β = 135° with respect to the horizontal (<a href="#app1-molecules-26-04108" class="html-app">Supplementary video available</a>). Full article ">Figure 4
(a) Plot of the radial hedgehog defect position of 19-μm NLC droplet. The position r was measured with respect to the center of the elliptical trajectory (shown in (b,c)), during clockwise rotation at 298 mW and 338 mW. The period of rotation was 4.54 s and 1.79 s for 298 mW and 338 mW, respectively. (b,c) Tracking of the elliptical trajectory of the defect showing non-uniform angular speed. (d,e) Angular speed of the defect at 298 mW and 338 mW, respectively. The defect rotation was very slow at points P and Q along the direction of laser polarization for 298 mW laser trapping. The effect is less severe for higher laser power. Full article ">Figure 5
The same 19-μm NLC droplet as in <a href="#molecules-26-04108-f003" class="html-fig">Figure 3</a> rotated in the reverse direction under the same linearly polarized laser trap at a higher laser power of 635 mW (<a href="#app1-molecules-26-04108" class="html-app">Supplementary video available</a>). Full article ">Figure 6
Schematic illustration of the droplet position at (a) low power and (b) higher power of a laser when slowly increasing the power of the trapping laser. <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mover accent="true"> <mi mathvariant="normal">G</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> </mrow> </semantics></math> represents direction of temperature gradient due to laser intensity. The temperature gradient points toward the laser focus. <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mover accent="true"> <mi mathvariant="normal">n</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> </mrow> </semantics></math> is the direction of average molecular directors of the distorted radial droplet. <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mover accent="true"> <mi>τ</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> </mrow> </semantics></math> is torque direction of the droplet from <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mover accent="true"> <mi>τ</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> <mo>=</mo> <mi>ν</mi> <mover accent="true"> <mi mathvariant="normal">n</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> <mo>×</mo> <mrow> <mo>(</mo> <mrow> <mover accent="true"> <mi mathvariant="normal">n</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> <mo>×</mo> <mover accent="true"> <mi mathvariant="normal">G</mi> <mo stretchy="true">⇀</mo> </mover> </mrow> <mo>)</mo> </mrow> </mrow> </semantics></math>, which resulted in clockwise rotation in (a) and counterclockwise rotation in (b). (c) Particle position with laser power illustrated roughly the observation of Ashkin’s experiment in optical levitation [<a href="#B15-molecules-26-04108" class="html-bibr">15</a>]. Full article ">Figure 7
Plot of threshold laser power for droplet rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions with droplet size. Notice that there is no counterclockwise rotation of small droplets at high power since the droplets were too small, so they were pushed off the trap at high power. There is no clockwise rotation of larger droplets at low power because the droplets were too heavy for rotation. The force from a low power laser could be too small to initiate droplet motion. Full article ">Figure 8
Plot of angular speed with laser power of a radial hedgehog defect under linearly polarized laser tweezers. Notice that we can only record one set of data for counterclockwise rotation for each droplet size since the power range for counterclockwise rotation is very small and by increasing the laser power higher than the last data plotted, the droplet was pushed out of the laser trap. For an 18 μm droplet, no counterclockwise rotation was observed, analogous to the observation in <a href="#molecules-26-04108-f007" class="html-fig">Figure 7</a>. Full article ">

12 pages, 3729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aptamer Laden Liquid Crystals Biosensing Platform for the Detection of HIV-1 Glycoprotein-120

by Amna Didar Abbasi, Zakir Hussain and Kun-Lin Yang

Molecules 2021, 26(10), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102893 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2673

Abstract

We report a label-free and simple approach for the detection of glycoprotein-120 (gp-120) using an aptamer-based liquid crystals (LCs) biosensing platform. The LCs are supported on the surface of a modified glass slide with a suitable amount of B40t77 aptamer, allowing the LCs [...] Read more.

We report a label-free and simple approach for the detection of glycoprotein-120 (gp-120) using an aptamer-based liquid crystals (LCs) biosensing platform. The LCs are supported on the surface of a modified glass slide with a suitable amount of B40t77 aptamer, allowing the LCs to be homeotropically aligned. A pronounced topological change was observed on the surface due to a specific interaction between B40t77 and gp-120, which led to the disruption of the homeotropic alignment of LCs. This results in a dark-to-bright transition observed under a polarized optical microscope. With the developed biosensing platform, it was possible to not only identify gp-120, but obtained results were analyzed quantitatively through image analysis. The detection limit of the proposed biosensing platform was investigated to be 0.2 µg/mL of gp-120. Regarding selectivity of the developed platform, no response could be detected when gp-120 was replaced by other proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), hepatitis A virus capsid protein 1 (Hep A VP1) and immunoglobulin G protein (IgG). Due to attributes such as label-free, high specificity and no need for instrumental read-out, the presented biosensing platform provides the potential to develop a working device for the quick detection of HIV-1 gp-120. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2763 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dielectric Spectroscopy Analysis of Liquid Crystals Recovered from End-of-Life Liquid Crystal Displays

by Ana Barrera, Corinne Binet, Frédéric Dubois, Pierre-Alexandre Hébert, Philippe Supiot, Corinne Foissac and Ulrich Maschke

Molecules 2021, 26(10), 2873; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102873 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

In the present work, the dielectric properties of recycled liquid crystals (LCs) (non-purified, purified, and doped with diamond nanoparticles at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%) were investigated. The studied LC mixtures were obtained from industrial recycling of end-of-life LC displays presenting mainly nematic [...] Read more.

In the present work, the dielectric properties of recycled liquid crystals (LCs) (non-purified, purified, and doped with diamond nanoparticles at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%) were investigated. The studied LC mixtures were obtained from industrial recycling of end-of-life LC displays presenting mainly nematic phases. Dielectric measurements were carried out at room temperature on a frequency range from 0.1 to 10⁶ Hz using an impedance analyzer. The amplitude of the oscillating voltage was fixed at 1 V using cells with homogeneous and homeotropic alignments. Results show that the dielectric anisotropy of all purified samples presents positive values and decreases after the addition of diamond nanoparticles to the LC mixtures. DC conductivity values were obtained by applying the universal law of dielectric response proposed by Jonscher. In addition, conductivity of the doped LC mixtures is lower than that of the undoped and non-purified LC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
Dielectric spectra of a non-purified LC mixture at room temperature (20 °C), using 20 µm cells in (a) homeotropic and (b) homogeneous alignment, for two amplitudes of the oscillating voltage: 0.1 and 1 V. Full article ">Figure 2
(a) Relative permittivity and (b) dielectric anisotropy of three non-purified LC mixtures as function of frequency. Measurements were taken at 1 V and room temperature (20 °C) with 20 µm cells in homogeneous and homeotropic alignments. NP-M stands for non-purified LCs mixtures. Full article ">Figure 3
Dielectric permittivity of purified LCs doped with different concentrations of DNPs (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%): (a) real and (b) imaginary parts in homeotropic alignment, (c) real and (d) imaginary parts in homogeneous alignment, and (e) dielectric anisotropy. The spectra were measured under identical experimental conditions (P stands for purified LC mixtures; P + 0.05D, P + 0.1D, and P + 0.2D correspond to purified LC mixtures doped with 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt% of DNPs, respectively). Full article ">Figure 4
Real part of the complex conductivity in (a) homeotropic and (b) homogeneous alignments as a function of frequency of non-purified, purified, and DNP-doped (0.05 wt%) LC mixtures. The experimental data are represented by symbols and the red lines show the curves obtained applying Jonscher’s model. NP corresponds to non-purified; P is for purified; and P + 0.05D stands for LC mixtures doped with 0.05 wt% of DNPs. Full article ">Figure 5
Variation of DC conductivity as a function of concentration of DNPs added to a purified LC mixture. Full article ">Figure 6
(a) End-of-life LCD, (b) LCD display composition, (c) Non-purified and (d) purified LCs mixtures, and (e) Texture of purified LC mixtures observed under polarizing optical microscope (POM) Olympus BX60 (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), presenting a nematic Schlieren texture. Conditions: LC sample sandwiched between un-aligned glass and coverslip; crossed polarizers; and room temperature. Full article ">Figure 7
Textures of a purified LC mixture in (a) homogeneous and (b) homeotropic alignments. The micrographs are recorded by POM under cross-polarized condition at room temperature. Full article ">

12 pages, 3349 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Liquid Crystals Based on the N-Phenylpyridinium Cation—Mesomorphism and the Effect of the Anion

by Jordan D. Herod and Duncan W. Bruce

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092653 - 1 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1990

Abstract

Families of symmetric, ionic, tetracatenar mesogens are described based on a rigid, N-phenylpyridinium core, prepared as their triflimide, octyl sulfate and dodecyl sulfate salts for a range of terminal chain lengths. The mesomorphism of the individual series is described before a comparison [...] Read more.

Families of symmetric, ionic, tetracatenar mesogens are described based on a rigid, N-phenylpyridinium core, prepared as their triflimide, octyl sulfate and dodecyl sulfate salts for a range of terminal chain lengths. The mesomorphism of the individual series is described before a comparison is drawn between the different families and then more broadly with (i) neutral tetracatenar materials and (ii) related bis(3,4-dialkoxystilbazole)silver(I) salts. For the octyl and dodecyl sulfates and the related triflates reported earlier, a SmA phase is seen at shorter chain lengths, giving way to a Col_h phase as the terminal chain lengthens. For the alkyl sulfate salts, an intermediate cubic phase is also seen and the terminal chain length required to cause the change from lamellar to columnar mesophase depends on the anion. Furthermore, there is an unexpected and sometime very large mesophase stabilisation seen on entering the columnar phase. All of the triflimide salts show a rectangular columnar (ribbon) phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Permittivity of a Multi-Phase System: Nanoparticle-Doped Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Films

by Doina Manaila-Maximean

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051441 - 7 Mar 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2561

Abstract

This paper studies the effective dielectric properties of heterogeneous materials of the type particle inclusions in a host medium, using the Maxwell Garnet and the Bruggeman theory. The results of the theories are applied at polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films, nanoparticles (NP)-doped LCs, [...] Read more.

This paper studies the effective dielectric properties of heterogeneous materials of the type particle inclusions in a host medium, using the Maxwell Garnet and the Bruggeman theory. The results of the theories are applied at polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films, nanoparticles (NP)-doped LCs, and developed for NP-doped PDLC films. The effective permittivity of the composite was simulated at sufficiently high frequency, where the permittivity is constant, obtaining results on its dependency on the constituents’ permittivity and concentrations. The two models are compared and discussed. The method used for simulating the doped PDLC retains its general character and can be applied for other similar multiphase composites. The methods can be used to calculate the effective permittivity of a LC composite, or, in the case of a composite in which one of the phases has an unknown permittivity, to extract it from the measured composite permittivity. The obtained data are necessary in the design of the electrical circuits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phase Transitions and Hysteresis for a Simple Model Liquid Crystal by Replica-Exchange Monte Carlo Simulations

by Akie Kowaguchi, Paul E. Brumby and Kenji Yasuoka

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051421 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2473

Abstract

In this work, the advantages of applying the temperature and pressure replica-exchange method to investigate the phase transitions and the hysteresis for liquid-crystal fluids were demonstrated. In applying this method to the commonly used Hess–Su liquid-crystal model, heat capacity peaks and points of [...] Read more.

In this work, the advantages of applying the temperature and pressure replica-exchange method to investigate the phase transitions and the hysteresis for liquid-crystal fluids were demonstrated. In applying this method to the commonly used Hess–Su liquid-crystal model, heat capacity peaks and points of phase co-existence were observed. The absence of a smectic phase at higher densities and a narrow range of the nematic phase were reported. The identity of the crystalline phase of this system was found to a hexagonal close-packed solid. Since the nematic-solid phase transition is strongly first order, care must be taken when using this model not to inadvertently simulate meta-stable nematic states at higher densities. In further analysis, the Weighted Histogram Analysis Method was applied to verify the precise locations of the phase transition points. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ferroelectric Particles in Nematic Liquid Crystals with Soft Anchoring

by Cristina Cirtoaje

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26041166 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2382

Abstract

A theoretical evaluation of the electric Freedericksz transition threshold and saturation field is proposed for a liquid crystals composite with ferroelectric particles. Existing models consider a strong anchoring of nematic molecules on the glass support of the cell, but in this paper a [...] Read more.

A theoretical evaluation of the electric Freedericksz transition threshold and saturation field is proposed for a liquid crystals composite with ferroelectric particles. Existing models consider a strong anchoring of nematic molecules on the glass support of the cell, but in this paper a soft molecular anchoring of molecules on the glass support and also on the ferroelectric nanoparticle’s surface is assumed. Thus, a finite saturation field was obtained in agreement with real systems. Calculations are made for planar configuration of positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystals. The results are compared with data obtained on similar systems from different publications and the differences are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 5285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Substitution Pattern and Chain Length on the Thermotropic Properties of Alkoxy-Substituted Triphenyl-Tristriazolotriazines

by Thorsten Rieth, Natalie Tober, Daniel Limbach, Tobias Haspel, Marcel Sperner, Niklas Schupp, Philipp Wicker, Stefan Glang, Matthias Lehmann and Heiner Detert

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5761; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235761 - 7 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3746

Abstract

Tristriazolotriazines (TTTs) with a threefold alkoxyphenyl substitution were prepared and studied by DSC, polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray scattering. Six pentyloxy chains are sufficient to induce liquid-crystalline behavior in these star-shaped compounds. Thermotropic properties of TTTs with varying substitution patterns and a [...] Read more.

Tristriazolotriazines (TTTs) with a threefold alkoxyphenyl substitution were prepared and studied by DSC, polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray scattering. Six pentyloxy chains are sufficient to induce liquid-crystalline behavior in these star-shaped compounds. Thermotropic properties of TTTs with varying substitution patterns and a periphery of linear chains of different lengths, branching in the chain and swallow-tails, are compared. Generally, these disks display broad and stable thermotropic mesophases, with the tangential TTT being superior to the radial isomer. The structure–property relationships of the number of alkyl chains, their position, length and structure were studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals 2020)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Liquid Crystals 2020

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Editorial

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI