Induced smectic phases composed of 5CB and EBBA mixtures: structures and dielectric property

Induced smectic phases of 5CB-EBBA binary mixtures were investigated with respect to the structures, stabilities, and molecular motion. The highest stability of the ordered smectic phase was obtained when 5CB and EBBA were mixed at 1:2. At the same ratio, the transferred charges between 5CB and EBBA took the maximum, indicating the direct correlation of the induced phase to the charge-transfer interaction. Whereas, the molecular motion monotonically slowed down with increasing EBBA, which is ascribed to the decrease of the free volume. The stability and the slow molecular reorientation may be independently controlled in the induced smectics.

Automated summary

The induced smectic phases of 5CB-EBBA binary mixtures were found to have the highest stability and maximum charge transfer when mixed at a ratio of 1:2. As the EBBA content increased, the molecular motion slowed down due to a decrease in free volume. The stability and molecular reorientation in induced smectics can be independently controlled.