6533b836fe1ef96bd12a0792

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Synthesis of Liquid-Crystalline Colloids in Nonpolar Media and their Manipulation in Electric Fields

Sönke HaselohRudolf Zentel

subject

Dispersion polymerizationendocrine systemPolymers and PlasticsChemistrydigestive oral and skin physiologyOrganic ChemistryRadical polymerizationCondensed Matter Physicscomplex mixturesSilicone oilColloidchemistry.chemical_compoundPolymerizationSiloxaneElectric fieldPolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistryParticle sizePhysical and Theoretical Chemistry

description

The first synthesis of anisotropic liquid-crystalline colloids in silicone oil by a direct (radical) polymerization of a monomer in THF/silicone oil mixtures with the help of siloxane containing stabilizers is described. The size of the colloids is in the lower μm range and can be adjusted by varying the mixture. The resulting colloids show a bipolar director configuration if they are small (<1.5 μm) and a radial configuration if they are larger. The colloids are sterically stabilized, and, due to the nonpolarity of the solvent, the disturbing effects of migrating ions are excluded and experiments in the electric field can be conducted. Both line formation in DC fields and a periodic switching of the bipolar colloids in AC fields is observed.

https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.200900122