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Liquid crystal phases of dipolar discotic particles

TitleLiquid crystal phases of dipolar discotic particles
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsAyton, G, Wei, DQ, Patey, GN
JournalPhysical Review E
Volume55
Pagination447-454
Date PublishedJan
Type of ArticleArticle
ISBN Number1063-651X
KeywordsCOMPUTER-SIMULATION, ELLIPSOIDS, MODEL, MOLECULES, MONTE-CARLO SIMULATIONS, NEMATIC PHASE, orientational order, SPHERES, SYSTEMS
Abstract

Fluids of dipolar oblate ellipsoids of revolution are investigated in detail employing molecular dynamics simulations. For aspect ratios (height-to-breadth) between similar to 1.2 and similar to 3, it is shown that these systems may form two liquid crystal phases. These are a ferroelectric phase which is stable at higher temperatures and an antiferroelectric columnar phase which is stable at lower temperatures. A partial phase diagram is given and the important structural features of these phases are determined and discussed.

URL<Go to ISI>://A1997WD54500056