We developed a theory for the statistical mechanics of nanoparticles doped in ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC). The presence of nanoparticles in FLC medium creates strong local fields that produce large alignment effects over the distribution of the nanosuspensions. Considering these local field effects, we presented a modified Landau free energy to calculate the electro-optic properties of the system. Then, we investigated the response of the nanoparticles doped FLC to an applied electric field. The variations in the polarization and the tilt angle show marked differences with the pure FLC medium. The rotational viscosity of the system is also calculated with its possible variation in temperature and applied field. Then, we conjectured on the possibility of shift in transition temperature, which is supposed to be induced by an electrostatic interaction between the nanoparticles and the liquid crystal molecules. Finally, strong experimental evidence is presented in favor of our results emerged from this theoretical model.
It was clearly indicative that the polymer chains make a tremendous interaction with the tilt angle in case of a polymer stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (PSFLC). After suitable consideration of such interaction, we expanded the Landau free energy for a PSFLC system. We theoretically demonstrated the effect of free volumes, which expected to create bulk self-energy, on the physical functionalities of a PSFLC system. Then we obtained spontaneous polarization, tilt angle, rotational viscosity and dielectric constant strongly correlated with the assumed interactions. We also observed a shift of transition temperature highly influenced by this interaction between polymer network and liquid crystal molecules. A microscopical picture of this polymer-liquid crystal interaction is provided in view of the free volume charge density present in the composite system.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.