Double gyroid structures made of asymmetric dimers

ABSTRACT

Gyroid cubic phases are interesting for both scientists and engineers due to possible applications in electronic devices. New series of dimeric molecules, despite their flexible molecular structure, can display double gyroid cubic phase with Ia3d symmetry and lattice parameter corresponding to double molecular length. The cubic phase is structurally related to columnar phase and both phases often coexist in the same temperature window. Apparently, for studied compounds stronger molecular asymmetry promotes cubic structure. Interestingly, for the examined compounds the transition between two isotropic liquids was observed.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Liquid crystals
• double gyroid phases
• Ia3d
• dimers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Polish National Science Centre [grant numbers 2012/07/B/ST5/ 02448, 2012/05/B/ST5/ 00725].