Isotropic to Nematic Phase Transition in Carbon Nanotube dispersed Liquid Crystal Composites

TL;DR

This study investigates how dispersed carbon nanotubes affect the isotropic to nematic phase transition in liquid crystal composites, revealing significant impacts on phase behavior and local ordering.

Contribution

It provides detailed dielectric and calorimetric analysis of CNT-LC composites, highlighting the influence of CNT concentration on phase transition and local nematic ordering.

Findings

CNTs induce local deformation of nematic director

Dispersed CNTs significantly alter phase transition temperatures

Formation of lyotropic pseudo-nematic phase observed

Abstract

A high-resolution dielectric and calorimetric study of the isotropic (I) to nematic (N) phase transition of carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed liquid crystal (LC) functional composites as a function of CNT concentration is reported. The evolution of the I-N phase transition, the temperature dependence of local nematic ordering formed by dispersed CNTs in the LC media and the transition enthalpy were coherently monitored. Anisotropic CNTs induce local deformation to the nematic director of LC and form lyotropic pseudo-nematic phase in the LC media. Results clearly indicate the dramatic impact of dispersed CNTs on both the isotropic and nematic phases of the composite.