Abstract
We report on high-resolution calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements along the Smectic-A to chiral Smectic-C* phase transition of the liquid crystal 4-(2-methyl butyl) phenyl 4-n-octylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate with dispersed, CoPt nanoparticle-coated reduced-graphene oxide nanosheets. The temperature dependence of heat capacity and smectic layer spacing are obtained in the vicinity of Smectic-A to chiral Smectic-C* phase transition. Though no remarkable pretransitional effects are present, the critical fits show a crossover from mean-field near a tricritical point to classical mean-field compared to pure liquid crystal. The X-ray data yield a dilation of smectic layer thickness, indicating the assembly of graphene oxide nanosheets between the smectic layers.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Liquid Crystals |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2019 |
Keywords
- ac calorimetry
- extended mean-field
- nanoparticles
- nanosheets
- Reduced graphene oxide
- smectic liquid crystals
- X-ray scattering
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
Fields of Expertise
- Advanced Materials Science