Liquid crystalline elastomers; Thermally and optically effected ordering

  • Published : 2005.07.19

Abstract

The nature of the phase transition in nematic liquid crystalline elastomer is investigated using NMR and calorimetry. The balance between ordering and disordering effects of the polymer network is identified as crucial for the behavior of the order parameter near the phase transition. The change from supercritical to critical regime with adding low molecular weight liquid crystal to the elastomer is proven.

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