Spacer Length Dependence of Mesomorphic Characteristics and Bistable Electro-Optical Effects for Smectic (Liquid Crystalline Copolymer/Liquid Crystals) Composite Systems

Hirokazu Yamane, Hirotsugu Kikuchi, Tisato Kajiyama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Mesomorphic characteristics and bistable electro-optical switching effects of smectic composite systems composed of side chain liquid crystalline copolymer (LCcoP) with a weak polar methoxy terminal group in a side chain and low molecular weight nematic liquid crystals (nematic LCs) with each strong polar cyano end group have been investigated. The spacer length of the mesogenic side chain in LCcoP has strongly affected the mesomorphic characteristics and the electro-optical effects of the (LCcoP/LCs) composite systems. The response speed of the binary composite systems became faster with a decrease of the spacer length. The binary composite systems showed reversible and bistable electro-optical switching characteristics with response time of ∼100 ms, that is, a light scattering state and a transparent one upon the application of ac electric fields with low frequency (up to ∼ Hz) and high one (10-105 Hz), respectively. However, a light scattering state was also observed due to the sign reversal of dielectric anisotropy upon the application of an ac electric field above ∼105 Hz.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)261-271
Number of pages11
JournalMolecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology Section A: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
Volume331
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics

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