Advances of isotropic to smectic phase transitions

Direct phase transitions from isotropic to smectic phases occur on some rare liquid crystalline materials. The aim of the present review article is to review up-to-date development of the direct phase transitions from isotropic to smectic phases. These transitions include the isotropic to smectic-A, isotropic to smectic-C, isotropic to smectic-E, isotropic to hexatic-B, isotropic to smectic-C*, isotropic to smectic-C-A(*), isotropic to banana shaped B-2 and isotropic to lamellar phase transitions. The experimental and theoretical development of these phase transitions are described in great details. The Landau-de Gennes theories of these phase transitions are reviewed. The isotropic to smectic phase transitions under various conditions are discussed. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Direct phase transitions from isotropic to smectic phases occur on rare liquid crystalline materials. This review article covers the up-to-date developments of these transitions, including various types of transitions and corresponding experimental and theoretical studies.