Gas Sorption Properties and Molecular States of a Liquid Crystal

Abstract

Abstract The solution and diffusion properties of CO2 in a monomeric liquid crystal have been investigated through use of an electromicrobalance apparatus. Both kinds of properties have been shown strongly dependent on the phase states of the liquid crystal. The results are interpreted in terms of molecular arrangements and the magnitude of free volume in different phases. Effects of the sorbed CO2 on the thermal behavior of the liquid crystal were also investigated. A correlation between the isotropization (clearing) temperature of the liquid crystal and the concentration of the sorbed gas has been established.