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ABSTRACT
The impact of the size of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) on the properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals (KCFLC 10R) has been investigated by electro-optical and dielectric techniques. We have found that the doping of silica nanoparticles in the host ferroelectric liquid crystal strongly affects the various properties of doped systems. Doping of silica nanoparticles shows a small decrease in spontaneous polarisation and faster switching time. An improvement in permittivity and conductivity with the temperature at a constant frequency was also noticed after dispersion. This dependence is stronger for large size particles (40 nm) and weaker for small size particles (~12 nm). The Goldstone mode (GM) shifts towards the higher relaxation frequency. These results would be useful to manufacture better optical and electronic devices for display, switching and beam steering applications.
Graphical abstract
Highlights
Size-dependent studies in silica nanoparticles dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal were investigated.
An improvement in permittivity, dielectric strength, conductivity and switching parameters were noticed by the dispersion of silica nanoparticles.
Smaller sized silica nanoparticles affect the electro-optic properties of ferroelectric liquid crystal composite.
Dielectric properties were influenced greatly by larger sized silica nanoparticles doped ferroelectric liquid crystal composite.
Acknowledgments
The authors are highly gratefully acknowledging the DST-SERB Project no. (EMR/2016/003540) and CSIR Project no. (03(1451)/18/EMR-II), New Delhi, India for partially financial assistance. DJ acknowledges CSIR for financial assistance in the form of research associateship.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).