Radial sample load distribution under overload conditions: Analytical scale columns

The homogeneity of the sample load across the radial cross section of analytical scale columns was determined when operating under overload conditions. The study was performed using active flow technology columns operating in parallel segmentation mode. The outlet segmentation ratio was varied to enable different volume fractions of mobile phase, and thus sample, to elute from the peripheral and central flow regions of the column. The amount of solute exiting the peripheral and radial central exit ports was determined as a function of the flow segmentation ratio. The experimental data using an analytical scale column with dimensions, 100?×?4.6?mm, indicated that the sample load distribution was essentially uniform as a function of the column radial cross section.     

Twist-bend nematics,liquid crystal dimers,structure–property relations

ABSTRACT

One of the current challenges in liquid crystal science is to understand the molecular factors leading to the formation of the intriguing twist-bend nematic phase (N_TB) and determine its properties. During our earlier hunt for the N_TB phase created on cooling directly from the isotropic phase and not the nematic phase, we had prepared 30 symmetric liquid crystal dimers. These had odd spacers and methylene links to the two mesogenic groups; desirable but clearly not essential features for the formation of the N_TB. Here, we report the phases that the dimers exhibit and their transition temperatures as functions of both the lengths of the spacer and the terminal chains. In addition we describe the transitional entropies, their optical textures, the X-ray scattering patterns and the ²H NMR spectra employed in characterising the phases. All of which may lead to important properties of the twist-bend nematic phase.     

Electro-optic properties of thiol-ene polymer stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals

Electro-optic properties of polymer stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (PSFLC) systems are examined as a function of varying concentrations of either a linear or crosslinked thiol-ene polymer. The thiol-ene method of polymer stabilization is a drastic change from previous studies designed to avert the problem of polymer phase separation. FLC rise time and tilt angle measurements were used to determine the effects of the polymer network on the optical properties of the system. The addition of monomer impurities to both systems demonstrated a reduction in tilt angle, which translated into decreased switching speeds in both systems prior to polymerization. The crosslinked thiol-ene system showed increased switching times due to the creation of polymer in the interlayer spacing of the FLC, but exhibited minimal increase in the rotational viscosity of the system. In addition, the crosslinked polymer systems resulted in an increase in the liquid crystalline order, which produced an increase in the contrast ratio of the system. The linear polymer system showed drastically different results as compared with the crosslinked system. The rise time and tilt angle measurements decreased upon polymerization of the linear thiol-ene and the rotational viscosity and contrast ratio values also decreased. We suggest that the linear thiol-ene polymer phase separation from the interlayer spacing leads to a microscopic misalignment of the FLC molecules, causing a decrease in the optical properties of the LC.