Interdependence of liquid crystal phase transitions in mixed systems

Abstract

From calorimetric measurements, the phase transition enthalpies and entropies in mixed systems of each of two cholesteryl esters with a nematogenic compound PCPB have been determined as a function of composition. The calorimetric data for the LC-I transition, as well as the slope (dp/dT)_t of the phase boundary line LC-I, show a conspicuous discontinuity at the critical mole fraction of PCPB where the blue phases disappear. The enthalpy of the SmA-N* transition becomes zero at the same critical mole fraction. Possible reasons for the observed transition interdependence are discussed.