Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
594422 Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2012 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

We investigate the alignment of 4′-pentyl-4-cynobiphenyl (5CB) liquid crystal on phase-separated two-component organosilane monolayers that consist of the protruding islands surrounded by a continuous phase. The molecular disordering at the protruding island edge locally perturbs the homeotropic alignment of the 5CB induced the phase-separated monolayers, leading to the formation of ring patterns. The edge effect on the 5CB alignment decreases with the decrease of the height difference between the protruding islands and the surrounding monolayer and increases with the decrease of the size of the protruding islands.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Phase-separated two-component organosilane monolayers. ► Molecular disordering at the edge of protruding islands in phase-separated monolayers. ► Alignment of liquid crystals on phase-separated monolayers. ► Formation of ring patterns in aligned liquid crystal films.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Colloid and Surface Chemistry
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