The influence of nanoparticles on phase formation and stability of liquid crystals and liquid crystalline polymers

In this work we describe the influence of nano sized materials on liquid crystalline phases in liquid crystals (LC) and liquid crystalline polymers (LCP). Methods ofmodification of nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated in liquid crystalline polymer matrix and liquid crystals, as well as the role of interactions between nanofiller and the polymer matrix are presented. Nanomaterials - metals, metal oxides, layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, graphene nanoplatelets and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), when incorporated into LC change theirmicrostructure and properties. Stability of LC phase, thermal properties of nanocomposites and anisotropy effects depending on the size, shape and type of nanomaterial were discussed. Nanoparticles can increase the free volume and disturb specific interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, facilitating thus the movement of chain segments and changing the liquid crystalline transition temperatures. Application of nanomaterials may lead to new developments in medical, electro-optic and electromagnetic devices utilizing the liquid crystalline phases. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This work explores the influence of nano sized materials on liquid crystalline phases in liquid crystals (LC) and liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), including modification methods of nanoparticles (NPs) in the polymer matrix and interactions between nanofillers and the polymer matrix. Nanomaterials can change the microstructure and properties of LC, affecting stability, thermal behavior, and anisotropy effects. Application of nanoparticles may lead to advancements in medical, electro-optic and electromagnetic devices utilizing liquid crystalline phases.