Bend and Splay Elastic Constants of a Discotic Nematic

Abstract

We report the dielectric constants and the splay and bend elastic constants of hexan-dodecanoyloxy truxene in the nematic phase, which occurs between two columnar phases. The dielectric anisotropy is positive. The elastic constants are ∼10⁻⁷ dyne, which is of the same order as for nematics of rod-like molecules. Further, k ₃₃ > k ₁₁, probably as a consequence of the columnar short range order in the medium.

Keywords:

• bend elastic constant
• splay elastic constant
• discotic nematic
• dielectric constants