Dielectric anisotropy in the nematic phase of 8PCH as a function of temperature and pressure

Abstract

The dielectric permittivity components, ε_∥ and ε_⊥, in the nematic phase of 8PCH (trans-4-n-octyl(4-cyanophenyl)cyclohexane) were measured at 1 atm as a function of temperature (T), and at two temperatures as a function of pressure (p). A close similarity of the temperature and pressure behaviours of the dielectric anisotropy, δε = ε_∥ - ε_⊥, was established. It is argued that p and T are equivalent quantities in the formation of the nematic state. The well known Maier and Meier equations describe the dielectric parameters under both p = constant and T = constant conditions fairly well.