We have investigated the possibility of extending the stability range of the biaxial nematic phase by adding an off-centre dipole of various strengths and orientations to elongated biaxial Gay-Berne (GB) mesogens yielding a relatively narrow biaxial nematic (Nbx) phase, and a smectic (Sbx) phase when dipole-less. The effect of dipoles is not easy to predict, and our previous investigations have shown the limited benefits of having a central dipole. Here we show, employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, that a not too strong off-centre dipole positioned along the longest axis of the nematogen can extend the temperature range of stability of the biaxial nematic phase, also shifting it towards lower temperatures.
Querciagrossa, L., Berardi, R., Zannoni, C. (2018). Can off-centre mesogen dipoles extend the biaxial nematic range?. SOFT MATTER, 14(12), 2245-2253 [10.1039/c8sm00067k].
Can off-centre mesogen dipoles extend the biaxial nematic range?
Querciagrossa, Lara;Berardi, Roberto;Zannoni, Claudio
2018
Abstract
We have investigated the possibility of extending the stability range of the biaxial nematic phase by adding an off-centre dipole of various strengths and orientations to elongated biaxial Gay-Berne (GB) mesogens yielding a relatively narrow biaxial nematic (Nbx) phase, and a smectic (Sbx) phase when dipole-less. The effect of dipoles is not easy to predict, and our previous investigations have shown the limited benefits of having a central dipole. Here we show, employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, that a not too strong off-centre dipole positioned along the longest axis of the nematogen can extend the temperature range of stability of the biaxial nematic phase, also shifting it towards lower temperatures.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.