Realization of high-responsive switching and high-stable polarity in columnar phases

Abstract

In order to realize high-responsive and bi-stable columnar phases, several ferroelectrically switchable liquid crystalline ureas were synthesized. Their mesophases were characterized by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and switching experiments. From the results, extension of the core units and substitution of the linkage are effective for improving the switching speed. Further, we found that polymerization of the columnar structures by coupling of the terminal alkyl chains is effective for realization of the bi-stability.