Combining a bulky chain with a stable polymer to enhance liquid crystal performance

https://phys.org/news/2023-10-combining-bulky-chain-stable-polymer.html

"incorporate bulky chemical end-chains onto chiral molecular frames... added one chain to thermally stable chiral polymer liquid crystal dimer... phases with improved thermal stability, large tilt angles, and rapid response to electric fields... The finding provides a path toward liquid crystals that could be switched at nanosecond speeds. It could help to overcome barriers to widespread use of ferroelectric liquid crystals in technology including flat-screen displays, laptop screens, navigation systems"

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Modeling polymers for next-generation manufacturing and sustainability
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-polymers-next-generation-sustainability.html

Liquid Crystals and the Hunt for Defects
https://www.cmu.edu/cee/news/news-archive/2023/11-2023-liquid-crystals-and-the-hunt-for-defects.html