Dielectric relaxation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-4-propyl-(4-cyanophenyl)-cyclohexane liquid crystals

The frequency dependences of the permittivity of a trans-4-propyl-(4-cyanophenyl)-cyclohexane (3PCH) liquid crystal in the nematic phase are measured in the frequency range 1–2000 MHz for different orientations of the director of liquid-crystal molecules with respect to the polarization of an ac electric field. The temperature dependences of the dielectric and optical characteristics are compared in the range of the transition from the nematic phase to the isotropic liquid phase. The dielectric spectra are approximated numerically, and the times of dipole relaxation upon rotation of the molecules about the short and long axes are determined. It is demonstrated that intramolecular motions make a significant contribution to the relaxation. The activation enthalpies are calculated.