Size-dependent studies in ferromagnetic nanoparticles dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures

ABSTRACT

In the present study, ferromagnetic nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) of size (~20 nm, 40 nm) into ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) mixture has been dispersed and investigated. Effect of size of NiNPs on the electro-optic, dielectric and optical properties of FLC mixture have been studied and discussed. A minor improvement in spontaneous polarisation, rotational viscosity and faster response time in NiNPs-FLC samples than pure FLC is noticed. Goldstone mode of relaxation frequency ~100 Hz is detected in all samples and follow a Debye type relaxation behaviour. In addition, it is observed that size of NiNPs does not have any remarkable effect on relaxation frequency and dielectric strength. A single absorption peak at 363, 362 Hz is also noticed in pure FLC and NiNPs-FLC samples.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Ferroelectric liquid crystal
• nickel nanoparticles
• permittivity
• spontaneous polarisation
• response time
• relaxation frequency
• absorbance

Acknowledgement

The work was supported by Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, under the project no. [Grant Number EMR/00351/2016].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, under the project no. [Grant Number EMR/00351/2016]