Multicomponent nematic systems with doped gold nanoparticles

Abstract

We study the dispersion of gold nanoparticles in binary systems of two homologues of cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals (nCB with n = 5, 6). Using differential scanning calorimetry method, we show that the studied systems have much lower crystal-nematic transition temperatures as compared to the pure nematics transition points, and nematic-isotropic liquid transition temperatures are within the range of pure nematics transition points. Using electrical and dielectric measurements, we reveal that the studied multicomponent mixtures have significantly less threshold voltages and switching off times for Fredrick’s transition (display parameters) as compared to the pure nematics’ values. We propose that this improvement of nematics’ display parameters is due to the effect of doped nanoparticles on nematics’ material parameters.

Keywords:

• liquid crystal nanocomposites
• liquid crystal material properties
• cluster formation in liquid crystals
• electro-optics of nematics

Acknowledgements

KKV thanks the College of Arts and Sciences (SIUE) Dean’s office and the Dean: Prof. Romero, for providing start-up funds for accomplishing this project. KKV also thanks the Department of Physics (SIUE) and the Chair, Prof. Hamad, for overall support. KKV also thanks the SIUE Graduate School and the Associate Dean for Research, Prof. Morgan, for the award during the project (Seed Grants for Transitional and Exploratory Projects (STEP), FY2014 S.T.E.P). KKV and AD thank the School of Pharmacy (SIUE), in particularly Prof. McPherson and Prof. Kolling, for the overall support and access to the Differential Scanning Calorimeter: (Q2000 from TA instruments).

Additional information

Funding

AT and AD are grateful to SIUE Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program and its Coordinator Prof. Pawlow for providing financial support during the accomplishment of the project.