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Abstract
A novel vertical alignment film for nematic liquid crystals is reported based on electrostatic self‐assembly of alkyl sulfonic salts in aqueous solution. A series of self‐assembled films with different alkyl chain lengths were prepared and used as alignment films. It was revealed that only when the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain approaches 11 or larger, could the self‐assembled film induce vertical alignment of liquid crystals. We also found that the homeotropic alignment of liquid crystals was related to the surface roughness of self‐assembled films. In addition, this vertical alignment film showed good electro‐optical characteristics and excellent thermal stability.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50473040, 60578035) and the Natural Foundation of Jilin Province (Grant No. 20050520, No.20050321‐2) for financial support.