Nematic Domain Structures on Polymer Surface

Abstract
The ordering of MBBA and 5CB nematic liquid crystals on the surface of polycarbo-nate is studied. On films prepared from the solutions of polycarbonate in dichlorometane or chloroform were visualized domains that grow in nematic liquid crystals on the background of the initial thread-like or schlieren texture over time, depending on time of exposure of the film before applying a liquid crystal to it. By optical methods using birefringence effects and optical probing, it was found that the nematic director within domain forms a radial structure. In the nematic droplets the temperature transition from planar to homeotropic orientation and to isotropic state with intermediate sloping degenerated states the director is found. It is shown that the transition occurs in a thin initial layer of liquid crystal and it is a result of the competitive forces near the surface.

Keywords: liquid crystal, polymer structure, domains