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Preparation and characterisation of monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett films of liquid crystal mixed with cubic silsesquioxanes

Year: 2018

Journal: Liq. Cryst., Volume 45, page 351–361

Authors: Dopierala, Katarzyna; Rojewska, Monika; Skrzypiec, Marta; Dutkiewicz, Michal; Maciejewski, Hieronim; Prochaska, Krystyna

Organizations: Polish National Science Centre [UMO-2012/05/B/ST02200]

Keywords: Silsesquioxane; POSS; liquid crystal; Langmuir-Blodgett films; interfacial rheology; network-like structure

Polyhedral oligomeric silesquioxanes (POSS) with eight polyether substituents were mixed with the liquid crystal (LC) 4-octyloxy-4-cyanobiphenyl and spread at the air/water interface. The surface pressure-area and surface potential-area isotherms were recorded for different weight ratios of both components. The obtained results showed that POSS molecules had beneficial influence on LC monolayer improving its stability and rigidity. Moreover, it was found that some LC-POSS mixtures collapse reversibly and form multilayer films on the top of LC monolayer. On the other hand, interfacial dilatational and shear rheology indicated decrease of elasticity of the films after mixing. Brewster angle microscopy revealed multilayer structure of the condensed film and formation of net-like structures in the expanded film. These films were successfully transferred on solid substrates using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the film deposition and formation of networks by POSS-LC mixtures. These findings may be useful in the fabrication of electronic devices based on LCs. [GRAPHICS] .