Structural transitions in liquid cesium

Two series of models of liquid cesium at temperatures of 493 and 623 K and pressures lower than 18 GPa are constructed by means of molecular dynamics using the potential of the embedded atom model. The thermodynamic properties of the models, pair correlation functions, pair radial distribution functions, structure factors, coordination numbers, and distributions of the Voronoi polyhedra and Delaunay simplexes are analyzed. No indications of structural transitions in liquid cesium of the first-order phase transition type are observed near a pressure of 3.9 GPa. Divergences from the results of some X-ray diffraction studies could be due to incorrect determination of the coordination numbers via the standard method because of the strong asymmetry of the first peaks of the pair radial distribution functions.     

Dynamics of phase transitions in a liquid crystal probed by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra of the Schiff 's base liquid crystalline compound 5O5, N-(4- n-pentyloxybenzylidene)-4'-n-pentylaniline, have been recorded as a function of temperature from 22 to 80°C in the 1140-1220 cm^-1 and 1550-1640 cm^-1 spectral regions. From careful deconvolution of the spectral features using Lorentzian profiles, precise values of peak positions, integrated intensities and linewidths of some selected Raman bands were obtained. The variations of the Raman spectral parameters with temperature are discussed in terms of changes in the molecular alignment and its effect on intra-/inter-molecular interactions at the Cr-G, G-SmF, SmF-SmC and SmA-N phase transitions. From a detailed study, it is inferred that the increased orientational/vibrational freedom of the alkyl chains, as well as the delocalization of the electron clouds, is responsible for the spectral anomalies at the Cr-G transition. Loss of positional ordering and twist around the -C₆H₄-N= bond takes place at the SmF-SmC transition. In the SmA-N transition, some evidence for the formation of cybotactic clusters was obtained.     

Solid state phase transitions characterized by ESR and XAS

Measurements of the relaxation time, τ of electron systems to a disturbance, by two different spectroscopic methods are examined in detail, with the purpose to establish how the presence of fluctuations near a solid state phase transition are made evident in insulators, conductors and superconductors. The absolute temperature and the relaxation time determine the thermodynamic stability of the electronic system near a phase transition by the Uncertainty Principle. At a given temperature T, Landau and Lifshitz obtain the stability from the lower limit of the uncertainty in entropy in units of the Boltzmann constant, ΔS/k_B<<1 when T τ>>3.82 K ps. Magnetic resonance can measure τ>>10⁻¹⁰ s, when v=9 GHz. X-ray spectroscopy can measure τ<10⁻¹⁶s for hv>5 keV. The results extract information about phenomena that occur at the phase transition by following the evolution of spectral features versus T and crystal orientation. Electron spin resonance identifies the phase transition by the evolution of doublet, triplet and antiferromagnetic resonance, and energy loss. Analysis of the X-ray absorption near an element edge determines one, the relative valence: V(Cu in chains)−V(Cu in planes) ≈1 in YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ, two, the appearance of allowed Cu K pre-edge quadrupole transitions at T_c, three, the enhancement of Ba L3,2 edge transitions by an order of magnitude, just above T_c, at a crystal orientation of the c-axis to the X-ray polarization vector of 8 π/18, and four, difference X-ray absorption spectra, relative to the transition temperature, identify the bonds as well as the atoms involved in the transition. The figure abstract shows the changes in electron density obtained by temperature difference X-ray absorption near the Y K-edge in YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ below T_c.     

Dynamics of phase transitions in a liquid crystal probed by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra of the Schiff 's base liquid crystalline compound 5O5, N-(4- n-pentyloxybenzylidene)-4'-n-pentylaniline, have been recorded as a function of temperature from 22 to 80°C in the 1140-1220 cm^-1 and 1550-1640 cm^-1 spectral regions. From careful deconvolution of the spectral features using Lorentzian profiles, precise values of peak positions, integrated intensities and linewidths of some selected Raman bands were obtained. The variations of the Raman spectral parameters with temperature are discussed in terms of changes in the molecular alignment and its effect on intra-/inter-molecular interactions at the Cr-G, G-SmF, SmF-SmC and SmA-N phase transitions. From a detailed study, it is inferred that the increased orientational/vibrational freedom of the alkyl chains, as well as the delocalization of the electron clouds, is responsible for the spectral anomalies at the Cr-G transition. Loss of positional ordering and twist around the -C₆H₄-N= bond takes place at the SmF-SmC transition. In the SmA-N transition, some evidence for the formation of cybotactic clusters was obtained.     

Structure and phase transitions of a liquid crystalline polymer

Summary The structures, textures as well as thermodynamic properties of a side chain polymer exhibiting a liquid crystalline phase in addition to a partially crystalline state and the isotropic fluid state were investigated. Furthermore the kinetics of phase transitions between these states were analyzed. It was found that the properties of this polymer are intermediate between that of low molecular weight liquid crystals and common polymers. In particular it was observed that the relation between the liquid crystalline texture and the structure is different from that of low molecular weight liquid crystals and that the properties of the crystalline and liquid crystalline state depend strongly on the tacticity of the polymer.

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Zusammenfassung Für ein Seitenkettenpolymeres, das zusätzlich zum teilkristallinen Zustand und zur isotropen Schmelze einen flüssig-kristallinen Zustand aufweist, wurden die Strukturen und Texturen untersucht sowie thermodynamische Eigenschaften. Außerdem wurde die Kinetik der Phasenumwandlungen analysiert. Es zeigt sich, daß die Eigenschaften zwischen denen üblicher Polymerer und denen von niedrigmolekularen flüssigen Kristallen liegen. Insbesondere zeigte sich, daß die Beziehung zwischen molekularer Struktur und Textur von der bei niedrigmolekularen flüssigen Kristallen abweicht, und daß die Taktizität der Kette einen starken Einfluß auf die Eigenschaften nicht nur der kristallinen Phase sondern auch der flüssig-kristallinen Phase ausübt.

     

High-pressure phase transitions in liquid crystals

Simultaneous measurements of the rate of heat evolution and changes of the mechanical variable of a transformation such as volume or pressure, performed in a p-V-T controlled scanning calorimeter have been applied to investigations of phase transitions in liquid crystals. In the instrument, the phase transitions can be induced by a controlled change of pressure, volume or temperature under isothermal, isobaric or isochoric conditions respectively. The present investigations have ben performed on 4-n-penthyl-penthylthiol-4-decycloxybenzoate which demonstrates in the liquid crystal state a nematic and three smectic phases

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Zusammenfassung In einem p-V-T-kontrollierten Scanning Kalorimeter wurden zur Untersuchung der Phasenumwandlungen in Flüssigkeitskristallen simultane Messungen der Geschwindigkeit der Wärmeentwicklung und der Veränderungen von mechanischen Größen von Umwandlungen, wie z.B. von Volumen oder Druck durchgeführt. In diesem Gerät kann die Phasenumwandlung durch eine kontrollierte Veränderung von Druck, Volumen oder Temperatur unter isothermen, isobaren oder isochoren Bedingungen ausgelöst werden. Vorliegende Untersuchungen wurden an 4-n-Pentyl-phenylthiol-4-dezyloxybenzoat durchgeführt, welches im Flüssigkristallzustand eine nematische und drei smektische Phasen aufweist.

     

Toluene-induced phase transitions in blue phase liquid crystals

ABSTRACT

We report phase transitions in blue phase-forming liquid crystals (LCs) that are triggered by exposure to toluene vapours. Specifically, we reveal that room-temperature cholesteric phase mixtures of MLC-2142 and S-811 form blue phases (BP I, II and III) with increasing vapour pressure of toluene. To probe the mechanism underlying this observation, we investigated the phase behaviour of mixtures of BP-forming LCs containing a range of non-volatile aromatic compounds (e.g. pyrene). We interpret our observations to indicate that the principal effect of small aromatic compounds is to decrease the energy penalty associated with the formation of disclination lines in BPs. We also conclude that the absorption of toluene into the BP-forming LCs lowers the energy required for the formation of disclination cores in the BP phase, thus allowing the elastically favoured double-twist cylinders to form at lower temperatures. We demonstrate that BP-forming LCs containing pyrene can be used to detect toluene at concentrations below 200 ppm at room temperature. Overall, these results guide the design of LC-based materials that respond to VOCs at concentrations relevant to occupational settings.     

Luminescence-detected phase transitions in lanthanide-containing liquid crystals

Complexes between lanthanide nitrates and a pro-mesogenic 18-membered diaza-substituted coronand are luminescent both as powders and liquid crystals (between 87 and 195 degrees C), and the phase transitions are detected by monitoring luminescence intensity and lifetime.     

Photomechanically induced phase transitions in ferroelectric liquid crystals

We demonstrate that the addition of small amounts of a novel azo-dye to a ferroelectric liquid crystal and illumination with low intensity (∼ 0.8 mW cm^-2) UV light can result in reversible, isothermal phase transitions and dramatic changes in the properties of the system. In particular we examine light induced transitions between the S*₁, and S*_C phases and the consequent photomechanical regulation of spontaneous polarization.     

Interdependence of liquid crystal phase transitions in mixed systems

From calorimetric measurements, the phase transition enthalpies and entropies in mixed systems of each of two cholesteryl esters with a nematogenic compound PCPB have been determined as a function of composition. The calorimetric data for the LC-I transition, as well as the slope (dp/dT)_t of the phase boundary line LC-I, show a conspicuous discontinuity at the critical mole fraction of PCPB where the blue phases disappear. The enthalpy of the SmA-N* transition becomes zero at the same critical mole fraction. Possible reasons for the observed transition interdependence are discussed.     

Interdependence of liquid crystal phase transitions in mixed systems

From calorimetric measurements, the phase transition enthalpies and entropies in mixed systems of each of two cholesteryl esters with a nematogenic compound PCPB have been determined as a function of composition. The calorimetric data for the LC-I transition, as well as the slope (dp/dT)_t of the phase boundary line LC-I, show a conspicuous discontinuity at the critical mole fraction of PCPB where the blue phases disappear. The enthalpy of the SmA-N* transition becomes zero at the same critical mole fraction. Possible reasons for the observed transition interdependence are discussed.     

Investigations of phase transitions in liquid crystals by means of adiabatic scanning calorimetry

High-resolution calorimetric techniques have substantially contributed in characterising and understanding the delicate thermal behaviour near many phase transitions in liquid crystals. In this paper we describe a high-resolution adiabatic scanning calorimetric technique that has proven to be an important tool in discriminating between first-order and second-order phase transitions in addition to rendering high-resolution information on fluctuations-induced pretransitional specific heat capacity behaviour. The capabilities of adiabatic scanning calorimetry are illustrated with experimental results for the isotropic to nematic and the isotropic to smectic A transitions for a series of alkylcyanobiphenyl compounds. For the nematic to smectic A transition results are presented for pure compounds and mixtures of liquid crystals as well as on the effects of added non-mesogenic solutes and nanoparticles. For chiral molecules results for phase transitions involving blue phases and twist grain boundary phases are considered.     

Photoinduced phase transitions and helix untwisting in the SmC* phase of a novel cinnamoyl-based liquid crystal

A photoinduced phase transition and helix untwisting in a new liquid crystal forming the SmC* phase were studied in detail. The compound consists of a cinnamoyl photosensitive fragment with C?=?C double bond capable of photoisomerisation and photocycloaddition. It was shown that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (365 nm) induces an extreme decrease in phase transitions temperatures (SmC*–SmA*, SmA*–N*, N*–I). Vertically aligned samples in the SmC* phase cause selective light reflection in the visible spectral range. The light action results in a noticeable helix untwisting that causes a shift in the selective light reflection peak to the long-wavelength spectral region. The temperature dependence of spontaneous polarisation P _s was measured and it was found that UV irradiation induces a decrease in the values of P _s. Photo-optical phenomena taking place in the liquid crystal are attributed to the formation of photoproducts having low anisometry, which disrupts mesophases.     

Gravity-induced liquid crystal phase transitions of colloidal platelets

The influence of gravity on a suspension of sterically stabilized colloidal gibbsite platelets is studied. An initially isotropic-nematic biphasic sample of such a suspension develops a columnar phase on the bottom on prolonged standing. This phenomenon is described using a simple osmotic compression model. We performed Monte Carlo simulations of cut spheres with aspect ratio L/D=1/15 and took data from the literature to supply the equations of state required for the model. We find that the model describes the observed three-phase equilibrium quite well.     

Confinement and orientational study at liquid crystal phase transitions

Abstract

We have studied the heat capacity of the thermotropic liquid crystal, octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB), confined to the nearly cylindrical, 0·2 μm diameter pores of Anopore membranes. Orientation of the nematic director within the pores can be controlled with surface treatment. It is known from NMR measurements that the nematic director is aligned parallel to the pore axis in the untreated membrane. A perpendicular alignment is obtained when the pore surface is treated with lecithin. The second order smectic A to nematic (S_A–N) and the weakly first order nematic to isotropic (N–I) phase transitions of 8CB were studied in these pores, for both director orientations, using an AC calorimetry technique. Effects on heat capacity amplitudes, transition temperature shifts, rounding and broadening of these phase transitions will be presented and contrasted with bulk measurements.     

Chirality-induced phase transitions in some liquid crystalline binary mixtures

Novel binary mixtures have been prepared between an optically active antiferroelectric liquid crystal, (S)-4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)phenyl 4'-octyloxy-biphenyl-4-carboxylate, and an optically active twin liquid crystal, (R)-3-methyladipic acid bis[4-(5-octyl-2-(pyrimidinyl)phenyl] ester, and the liquid crystalline properties investigated. The stability of each liquid crystal phase was found to decrease by mixing these two liquid crystalline materials. Furthermore, a phase diagram between these compounds showed a clear discontinuity in phase sequences. These results indicate that the liquid crystal phases are different in nature between these materials. The mixture consisting of the antiferroelectric material (40 per cent) and the twin material (60 per cent) shows an unusual liquid crystal phase, where the texture is similar to that reported for the twist grain boundary (TGB) phase. Related binary mixtures have been prepared between optically active or racemic materials, where the chirality of the system is expected to be altered systematically. The TGB phase was found to be induced only in the mixture between the optically active materials. Two kinds of effect on the appearance of the TGB phase, i.e. a strong helical structure induced by the optically active twin liquid crystal and a decrease of the smectic layer strength achieved by mixing between two types of liquid crystalline materials, are discussed.     

Estimation of molecular diffusivity in liquid phase systems by the Wilke-Chang equation

This study deals with the application of the Wilke-Chang equation to the estimation of molecular diffusivity (Dm) in liquid phase systems including polar solutes and/or solvents. First, Dm of benzene in six different organic solvents was experimentally measured by the peak parking method. The value of association coefficient (α) was calculated from the Dm values by assuming that Dm can be represented by the Wilke-Chang equation. Then, the α value was correlated with the solubility parameter (δ) and ET of the solvents. Two different curved correlations were observed between α and the two physico-chemical parameters. This means that α of given solutes and solvents can be obtained from the values of δ and/or ET. Finally, Dm was estimated by a modified Wilke-Chang equation, which is derived by considering the aggregation of not only solvent molecules but also solute molecules. Although α is necessary for the estimation, it was calculated from δ for various solutes and solvents. The Dm values estimated were compared with those reported in literature. The mean square deviation between the Dm values was calculated less than 19% for 71 Dm data. It was demonstrated that the modified Wilke-Chang equation can be used for estimating Dm in liquid phase systems containing polar solutes and solvents.     

Application of a new equation of state to liquid refrigerant mixtures

A new general equation of state recently reported for pure liquids has been developed to predict the volumetric and thermodynamic properties of six binary and two ternary liquid refrigerant mixtures (including HCs and HFCs mixtures) at different temperatures, pressures, and compositions. The results show this equation of state can be used to reproduce and predict different thermodynamic properties of liquid refrigerant mixtures within experimental errors. The composition dependence of the parameters of this equation of state has been assumed as quadratic functions of mole fraction. Using these mixing rules, the agreement between calculated and experimental densities is better than 0.6% for binary mixtures and 2.3% for ternary mixtures. To compare the performance of this new equation of state against other well-known methods such as the COSTALD method, the density of some refrigerant mixtures, for which the parameters of COSTALD were available, has been computed and compared with those of this new equation of state.