Rubbing induced orientation of a side chain liquid crystalline polymer with high pretilt angle

Abstract

We have investigated the pretilt angle generated in the nematic phase of different liquid crystal materials aligned on side chain liquid crystalline polymer films. High pretilt angles (> 10 degrees) can be achieved by unidirectionally rubbing the liquid crystalline polymer layers. We have also measured the anchoring strengths of these aligning films. The results of our studies indicate that the pretilt angle and the anchoring energy are found to depend in a systematic way on the liquid crystal material and also on the chemical structure of the liquid crystalline polymer films.