Non-equilibrium dynamics observed in SmC* free-standing films under transmembrane water-vapor transport

Abstract

We investigated dynamics of free-standing SmC* films under transmembrane water vapor transfer. Due to the chemo-mechanical coupling in chiral LCs, the vapor transport exerted torque on the c-director, which caused two-types of rotational motion of the LC molecules. Under a large vapor flux, continuous director rotation occurred, which resulted in drastically transforming an orientational pattern from the equilibrium. On the other hand, a weak vapor transport did not affect the director field but drove a steady vortical flow in the films. By controlling the magnitude of the vapor flux, we will be able to manipulate the unidirectional director rotation and the hydrodynamic flow.