Freedericksz Transitions in 6CB Based Ferronematics-Effect of Magnetic Nanoparticles Size and Concentration

In this paper, results acquired from capacitance measurements performed on composites based on nematic liquid crystal 4-cyano-4 '-hexylbiphenyl (6CB) and spherical iron oxide nanoparticles of various sizes are presented. Electric and magnetic Freedericksz transitions, as well as structural transitions in combined electric and magnetic fields, were investigated. The obtained results showed the lowering of the threshold magnetic field with an increase in the volume concentration of nanoparticles. Estimations based on results obtained from measurements suggest soft anchoring between liquid crystal director and nanoparticles magnetization vector.

Automated summary

This paper presents results from capacitance measurements on composites of nematic liquid crystal 6CB and spherical iron oxide nanoparticles, showing a decrease in threshold magnetic field with increasing volume concentration of nanoparticles. Estimations based on the results suggest soft anchoring between liquid crystal and nanoparticles.