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Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
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Inducing Planar Orientation in Side-Chain Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Systems via Interfacial Control
1Nagoya University Venture Business Laboratory, Furo-cho Chikusa, Nagoya, Japan.
Chemical Record (New York, N.Y.)
|January 19, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed new methods to achieve planar orientation in liquid-crystal (LC) azobenzene (Az) polymer films. This planar alignment is crucial for efficient photoresponse and advanced LC polymer device applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Efficient photoresponses in liquid-crystal (LC) azobenzene (Az) polymer systems require planar LC orientation.
- Rodlike LC molecules typically orient perpendicularly to surfaces due to excluded volume effects, hindering desired photoalignment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce novel approaches for inducing planar orientation in side-chain LC Az polymer films.
- To overcome the natural perpendicular alignment tendency of LC molecules.
Main Methods:
- Interface and surface molecular design strategies were employed.
- Investigating methods to control molecular orientation at the film surface.
Main Results:
- Achieved planar orientation of the az mesogenic group in LC polymer films.
- Demonstrated efficient in-plane photoalignment and photoswitching capabilities.
Conclusions:
- New approaches enable control over LC polymer film orientation.
- Planar orientation facilitates the creation of hierarchical LC architectures for advanced devices.
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