PB17 Phase-Segregated Structures and Functions for the Composites of Discotic Liquid Crystals and Low Molecular Weight Gelators

Abstract

Various composites of a triphenylene derivative and low molecular weight gelators such as aromatic urea compounds and amide compounds were prepared. Phase-segregated structures of these composites were studied. Benzene-based bisurea compounds successfully gelate a triphenylene derivative and show higher sol-gel transition temperatures. On the other hand, a pyridine-based bisurea compound does not gelate the triphenylene derivative while it efficiently gelates common organic and nematic liquid crystalline solvents. Phase-segregated structures of these composites depend on gelators. SEM observation reveals that one of benzene-based gelators forms network of elongated fibers in discotic liquid crystalline media.