Dan Wei, Zhijuan He, Yunqing Huang, An-Chang Shi, Kai Jiang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
X-shaped liquid crystalline macromolecules (XLCMs) are obtained by tethering two flexible end A-blocks and two flexible side B-blocks to a semiflexible R-block. A rich array of ordered structures can be formed from XLCMs, driven by the competition between the interactions between the chemically distinct blocks and the molecular connectivity. Here, we report a theoretical study on the phase behavior of XLCMs with symmetric and asymmetric side blocks by using the self-consistent field theory (SCFT). A large number of ordered structures, including smectic phases, simple and giant polygons, are obtained as solutions of the SCFT equations. Phase diagrams of XLCMs as a function of the total length and asymmetric ratio of the side chains are constructed. For XLCMs with symmetric side blocks, the theoretically predicted phase transition sequence is in good agreement with experiments. For XLCMs with a fixed total side chain length, transitions between layered structure to polygonal phases, as well as between different polygonal phases, could be induced by varying the asymmetry of the side chains. The free energy density, domain size, side chain stretching, and molecular orientation are analyzed to elucidate mechanisms stabilizing the different ordered phases.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Chemical Physics publishes quantitative and rigorous science of long-lasting value in methods and applications of chemical physics. The Journal also publishes brief Communications of significant new findings, Perspectives on the latest advances in the field, and Special Topic issues. The Journal focuses on innovative research in experimental and theoretical areas of chemical physics, including spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. In addition, topical areas such as polymers, soft matter, materials, surfaces/interfaces, and systems of biological relevance are of increasing importance.
Topical coverage includes:
Theoretical Methods and Algorithms
Advanced Experimental Techniques
Atoms, Molecules, and Clusters
Liquids, Glasses, and Crystals
Surfaces, Interfaces, and Materials
Polymers and Soft Matter
Biological Molecules and Networks.