Ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture dispersed with tin oxide nanoparticles: Study of morphology, thermal, dielectric and optical properties

The present study is dedicated to the use of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles dispersed in a multicomponent ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) mixture with the aim of showing their effects on the textural, dielectric, thermal and optical properties. The influence of the dopant concentration on the various physical parameters of the FLC has been discussed. Formation of self assembled two dimensional arrays of nanoparticles has been observed in the planar aligned textures of composites which is oriented perpendicular to the rubbing direction. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry study confirms the change in phase transition temperature of all the composites. The relative permittivity, absorption strength and ac conductivity have been reduced in presence of the nanoparticles. The optical extinction of neat ferroelectric liquid crystal has been decreased after the addition of tin oxide nanoparticles. The quenching phenomenon was observed for nanoparticles dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal.