Computer simulations of associating liquid crystals

POSTER

Abstract

Liquid crystals possess a range of interesting properties and are actively used in various technological applications. Reversible association, such as hydrogen bonding or metal-ligand complexation can provide additional mechanisms to control their properties leading to new applications including responsive functional materials. We employ Monte Carlo simulations using a spherocylinder model to predict the phase diagram for formation of the different ordered liquid crystalline phases in the presence of reversible associations. In particular we investigate the inter-relation between the strength of reversible association and the aspect ratio of liquid crystalline mesogens. The effect of confinement on system behavior will be discussed we well.

Presenters

  • Dimitri Baptiste

    Polymer Program Institute of Materials Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269

Authors

  • Dimitri Baptiste

    Polymer Program Institute of Materials Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269

  • Elena Dormidontova

    Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, Polymer Program, Institute of Material Science, Department of Physics, Storrs CT 06269, USA, University of Connecticut, Polymer Program Institute of Materials Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, Polymer Program - Institute of Material Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science and Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT, 06269