High strength disclinations in a rigid rod nematic polytolane

Abstract

Transient disclinations of strength ± 3/2 were observed in the nematic phase of a single-component, thermotropic, rigid rod polytolane. These disclinations were characterized by 6 extinction brushes in textures observed by hot stage transmitted polarized light microscopy. The small number and short lifetime of these disclinations is discussed in terms of their energy per unit line length, and in terms of the force that causes them to be attracted to and annihilated at other disclinations.