Antiferroelectric Bent-Core Liquid Crystal for Possible High-Power Capacitors and Electrocaloric Devices

We present small-angle X-ray scattering, polarized optical microscopy and electric current measurements of a sulfur-containing bent-core liquid crystal material for characterization of the layer and director structures, thermally and electrically driven transitions between antiferroelectric and ferroelectric structures and switching properties. It was found that the material has polarization-modulated homochiral synclinic ferroelectric (SmCsPFmod), homochiral anticlinic antiferroelectric (SmCaPA) and racemic synclininc antiferroelectric (SmCsPA) structures that can be reversibly switched between each other either thermally and/or electrically. High switching polarization combined with softness of the liquid crystalline structure makes this compound a good candidate for applications in high-power capacitors and electrocaloric devices.

Tuning shape and internal structure of protein droplets via biopolymer filaments

Filamentous dopants impart liquid crystalline structure on otherwise isotropic droplets of phase separated protein. These droplets have tunable shape that transitions from tactoid to sphere with increasing size or shortening filament length.

Synthesis and supramolecular liquid crystalline structure modulation of side-chain polynorbornenes with asymmetrical substituent mesogenic groups

The substituent position and number have an important effect on the supramolecular liquid crystalline structure evolution in side-chain polymers.

FORMATION OF THE DISCLINATION DEFECTS IN THE DYE-DOPED CHOLESTERIC LIQUID CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE LASER BEAM

In the work the influence of the laser beam on the optical properties of highly absorbing dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystalline (CLC) structure is investigated. By means of polarizing microscope studies step-like variation of the CLC helical pitch and formation of the disclination defect lines (oily streaks) is observed.

Exploration of immobilization conditions of cellulosic lyotropic liquid crystals in monomeric solvents by in situ polymerization and achievement of dual mechanochromism at room temperature

We obtained cellulosic/synthetic polymer composites incorporating a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure by in situ polymerization and accomplished dual mechanochromism at room temperature.