Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Interaction of surfaces in smectic membranes and their instability near thinning transitions
P V Dolganov1, P Cluzeau, G Joly
1Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russia.
Abstract:
We report measurements of the interaction between surfaces of the presmectic membrane above the temperature of transition to the phase without layer ordering. Investigations were performed employing cholesteric droplets embedded in the membrane in the temperature range of thinning transitions. Upon heating, the difference between the membrane tension and surface tension of the bulk sample decreases sufficiently, which leads to membrane instability. After the thinning transition, the membrane returns to a stable state with a larger value of surface interaction.
Related Concept Videos
Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
Membrane Fluidity
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Surface Tension
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Thermal Sigmatropic Reactions: Overview
Sigmatropic shifts are classified based on an order term [i, j ], where i and j indicate the number of atoms across which each end of the σ bond migrates. Below are examples of a [3,3] sigmatropic shift in 1,5-hexadiene, referred to as...

