Phase separation in nematic and smectic a phases

Abstract

Abstract Until recently no example was known with a miscibility gap separating two non-ordered mesophases (i.e.: nematic, smectic A or C) of the same symmetry. In most cases of binary solutions it was observed that either the phase diagram is of the simple eutectic type with quasi ideal behaviour of the mixtures or the liquid crystalline phases are destabilized at the benefit of the isotropic solution (Figure 1). These properties of easy miscibility among mesogens have been long and widely applied at different stages of the study and application of liquid crystals.