Change in Dielectric and Electro-Optical Properties of a Nematic Material (6CHBT) Due to the Dispersion of BaTiO₃Nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract Thermodynamical, dielectric and electro-optical studies of a ferroelectric nanopowder (0.5 weight % Barium Titanate, BaTiO3) dispersed in 4-(trans-4-n-hexylcyclohexyl) isothiocyanatobenzoate (6CHBT) have been carried out. Change in the dielectric anisotropy, relaxation frequency and activation energy of an observed non-collective relaxation mode, threshold and switching voltages of electro-optic response (transmission-voltage characteristic) have been determined for the dispersed and pure samples in their nematic mesophases. These studies suggest that isotropic to nematic transition temperature for BaTiO3 dispersed 6CHBT is lowered. Changes in other properties are also discussed. Keywords: Dielectric anisotropyferroelectric nanoparticlesnematic liquid crystalstransmission voltage characteristic Notes a From dielectric studies, b From thermodynamics studies (DSC).