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Understanding Liquid Crystals: Types & Applications

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18 views2 pages

Understanding Liquid Crystals: Types & Applications

Uploaded by

DhananjayareddyThanakanti
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 7 liquid State

7.1 Liquid Crystals ( Mesomorphic State)

Certain solids like cholesteryl Benzoate C6 H5 COOC27 H45 , when heated at 1450c, they fuse sharply to
give turbid liquid , which on further heating changes to clear liquid at 1780c. These are reversed on
cooling.
145◦ c 178◦ c
Solid −−−*
)−−− Turbid liquid ) −−−*
−−− clear liquid.
The temp 145 c at which solid changes into turbid liquid is known as “Transition temp” and 178◦ c
◦

, at which turbid liquid changes to clear liquid is called “Melting point” . It is to note that turbid liquid
and clear liquid show different behaviour. The turbid or translucent liquids are “anisotropic” ie., they
show optical, electrical and magnetic properties in different directions, on the other hand true liquids
are isotropic ie., they have same value in every direction.
The turbid liquids which are anisotropic, commonly called liquid crystals. In the term liquid crystals,
the term liquid is used because liquid crystals tend to take the shape of the container, while the term
crystal is used because liquid crystals still contain one or two dimensional arrays. Thus liquid crystal
may be considered as intermediate state of matter between the solid state and liquid state, exhibiting
some properties of both states Ex: diethylbenzidine, P-methoxy cinnamic acid etc.,

7.1.1 Classification of liquid crystals :


Liquid crystals are classified into three types ie., smectic, nematic and cholestric.
(i) Smectic Liquid Crystals: (Soap like) This type of crystals are formed by certain molecules with
chemically dissimilar parts. The chemically similar parts attract each other to form parallel layers
aligned in one direction. This state is exhibited by common soaps ( ≃ 200◦ c )
✿ These do not flow as normal liquids but they flow in layers. These layers can slide over one
another because of weak forces.
✿ These form a series of terraces or strata, when they spread over a clean glass plate
✿ These are uniaxial and not affected by magnetic field.
✿ This type of crystals also give X-ray diffraction only in one direction.
✿ Ex.P-azoxybenzoate, ethyl P-azoxycinnamate.
(ii) Nematic Liquid Crystals : These appear like a thread under microscope.

✿ Molecules are parallel to each other and free to slide or roll.


✿ These flow like a normal liquid.
✿ They scatter light and hence appear as translucent.
✿ These are anisotropic.
✿ The degree of orientational order has been found to decrease with increase in temp.
Ex: Dibenzal benzidine, P-methoxy cinnamic acid, P-azoxyanisole.
(iii) Cholestric liquid Crystals: The skeleton of this liquid crystals is like cholesterol. These possess

Shri Gnanambica Degree College 36 Department of Chemistry


CHAPTER 7. LIQUID STATE 7.1. LIQUID CRYSTALS ( MESOMORPHIC STATE)

some properties of nematic and some properties of smectic.


✿ Like smectic crystals, these have layered structure, however their layers are much thicker.
✿ They show strong colour effects in polarized light.
✿ They have appreciable rotatory power which is much higher than the rotatory power of solid
crystals (Quartz).
Ex: Cholosteryl benzoate.

7.1.2 Applications of liquid Crystals:


iquid crystal consume very little electrical power and when a thin layer of nematic liquid crystal is placed
between two electrodes and an electric field is applied, the polar molecules are pulled out of align-
ment. This makes the crystal opaque and transparency returns on the removal of electric signal. This
property is used in electronic display instruments like watches, calculators, Televisions under the name
“ Liquid Crystal Display ” (LCD). The device records the image, stores it and displays. This image can be
projected on screen.
In LCD display, liquid crystal is arranged between two transparent electrodes. The thickness is 6-25
micrometers, this is controlled by chemically inactive substances. Thus LCD cell is perfectly sealed so
that it is not affected by oxygen or moisture.
Liquid crystals are also used as
✿ Lubricants,
✿ Detecting Tumors in the body
✿ In gas-liquid chromatography.

Department of Chemistry 37 Shri Gnanambica Degree College

Common questions

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The anisotropic properties of nematic liquid crystals, such as their ability to alter light transmission based on molecular alignment, are crucial for electronic displays. This allows for the precise control of transparency and opacity in pixels, enabling high-resolution displays and reducing power consumption compared to isotropic materials .

The layered structure and high rotatory power of cholesteric liquid crystals are significant in practical applications, like LCDs, because they enhance color and image clarity under polarized light. Their ability to control light transmission makes them useful in display technologies where color and brightness are essential .

Smectic liquid crystals form parallel layers of molecules and are uniaxial, not affected by magnetic fields, while nematic liquid crystals have molecules that are parallel to each other and free to slide or roll, making them anisotropic .

The environmental stability of liquid crystal cells in LCDs is ensured by sealing them between two chemically inert, transparent electrodes, which prevents damage from oxygen or moisture. This enhances their durability and performance, allowing LCDs to maintain clarity and functionality over prolonged periods in various environments .

Cholesteric liquid crystals combine properties of smectic and nematic phases, with a layered structure and molecules that can exhibit significant rotatory power, much higher than that of solid crystals like Quartz, which results in strong color effects when exposed to polarized light .

In LCD technology, a thin layer of nematic liquid crystal is placed between two transparent electrodes. When an electric field is applied, polar molecules become opaque, and transparency is restored when the field is removed. This property allows LCDs to control image display with low electrical power consumption and protection from moisture or oxygen .

Liquid crystals can be effective lubricants due to their layered molecular structure, allowing sliding over one another with minimal friction. Unlike conventional lubricants that rely on fluid viscosity, liquid crystals provide lubrication by maintaining directional orientation and cohesion, which can reduce wear in applications requiring precise movement .

Liquid crystals are considered an intermediate state because they exhibit properties of both solid and liquid states. They possess one or two-dimensional arrays characteristic of solid crystals, yet they take the shape of their container like liquids. This duality is reflected in their anisotropic nature, allowing them to display directional properties typical of solids while maintaining fluid-like behavior .

The transition temperature (145°C) in cholesteryl benzoate is the point at which the solid transforms into a turbid liquid, whereas the melting point (178°C) is where the turbid liquid becomes a clear liquid. The turbid liquid is anisotropic, exhibiting different optical, electrical, and magnetic properties in different directions, while the clear liquid is isotropic, having uniform properties in all directions .

Liquid crystals can be used in detecting tumors due to their ability to highlight heat variations in the body. As tumors often present with elevated local temperatures, the thermotropic nature of certain liquid crystals allows them to act as sensitive temperature sensors, highlighting abnormalities through color change .

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