Effect of functionalized carbon nanotube on electro-optic and dielectric properties of a liquid crystal

Abstract

The effect of octadecylamine functionalized carbon nanotube (ODACNT) on the electro-optic response and dielectric measurements of a liquid crystal (LC) were investigated. The threshold electric field of ODACNT doped LC 'less as compared to that of pure LC whereas the dielectric anisotropy is enhanced. The dielectric measurements reveal that the ODACNT doped LC exhibits a relaxation frequency of 30 Hz as compared to 3 Hz for pure LC. The tunneling current images obtained using atomic force microscope in spreading resistance mode indicate presence of ODACNT in close proximity of alignment layer. These results clearly indicate that ODACNT is influencing the nematic anchoring as well as the ordering in the bulk due to π − π interaction between LC, ODACNT and the alignment layer.