Influence of single-wall carbon nanotubes on Langmuir-Blodgett films of ferroelectric liquid crystals as studied by atomic force microscopy

Langmuir-Blodgett films of ferroelectric liquid crystal (LC) doped with low concentration of single-wall carbon nanotubes have been prepared and characterised. Pressure-area isotherms show that the films are stable and have good spreading properties. The interaction between nanotubes and LC molecules in the monolayer was increased during barrier compression, resulting in increased surface pressure. We observed phase change with increasing nanotube concentration in ferroelectric LC matrix. Atomic force microscopy profiles indicate uniform deposition of material on single crystal silicon wafer.