Self-assembling properties of lactic acid derivative with several ester linkages in the molecular core

Abstract

The effect of several polar ester linkage groups incorporated in the molecular core of a chiral lactic acid derivative on self-assembling properties has been investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, small angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and electro--optical studies. The compound possesses the paraelectric smectic A* (SmA*) and ferroelectric smectic C* (SmC*) phases over a broad temperature range. Mesomorphic behaviour, spontaneous polarization, birefringence, optical transmission, dielectric anisotropy and structural properties of the self-assembled chiral material have been determined. The obtained results are discussed and compared with that of other liquid crystalline materials. Experimentally determined spontaneous polarization and tilt angle values are also used to elucidate the nature of SmC* to SmA* phase transition. The effect of polar ester linkages in the molecular core has also been discussed.

Keywords:

• phase transition
• ferroelectric liquid crystal
• lactic acid derivative
• self-assembling
• spontaneous polarization
• birefringence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Czech Academy of Sciences projects [M100101204] and [M100101211]; by the project of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport [LD14007] and by the project of the Czech Science Foundation [CSF 13-14133S].