Anomalous density and refractive index variation of a nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

This paper reports the results of the measurement of refractive indices and densities of p-ethoxyphenyl trans-4-butyl cyclohexane carboxylate at different temperatures. The molecular polarizabilities have been calculated from refractive indices using Vuks' formula and orientational order parameters are determined from the polarizability values. The order parameter values have been compared with those obtained from Maier-Saupe theory. The compound shows anomalous behaviour regarding variation of density, ordinary refractive index and order parameter values with temperature. This is consistent with our previous X-ray study of this compound. The possible reason for this peculiar behaviour has been discussed.