Analysis of linear hydrogen bonded liquid crystal binary mixtures formed between palmitic acid and p-n- alkyloxy benzoic acids

Abstract

Liquid Crystalline mesogens comprising of Palmitic acid (PA) and p-n- alkyloxy benzoic acids (nBAO) are formed exhibiting rich phase polymorphism. Enhancement in the thermal range of the desired mesophase and the corresponding optical, thermal properties can be fine-tuned by preparing binary mixtures. Binary mixtures of PA + 8BAO: PA + 9BAO and PA + 8BAO: PA + 10BAO have been prepared by varying the molar ratio. Nematic and smectic G mesophases are observed. From Polarizing Optical Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry studies, the phase diagram of these binary mixtures is constructed. Specific heat, thermal stability factor, thermal equilibrium and order of phase transition are also elucidated.

Keywords:

• Hydrogen bonded liquid crystals
• binary mixtures
• phase polymorphism
• optical properties
• thermal properties

Acknowledgements

Authors acknowledge the eternal blessings of almighty Bannari Amman and the infrastructural facilities rendered by the management of Bannari Amman Institute of Technology.

Additional information

Funding

The authors also acknowledge Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for the financial support (EMR/2017/001075).