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.

*This work was supported by the Research Excellence Program (REP) of the University of Connecticut

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