Replicating Chiral Structures with Common Polymers and the Sudy of Surface Changes under VOC’s

Liquid crystals are known to have interesting surface patterns, characterized by focal conic domains patterned across their surface. These chiral structures can be observed through Atomic Force Microscopy, and replicated on the surfaces of common polymers. When exposed to certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), the surface structures of chiral polymers are seen to break down. However, on these replica polymers, no such changes can be seen. The applications of these traits are discussed.