Polar Anchoring Strength and Surface Ordering in NLC by the Washing Process on Rubbed Polymer Surfaces Containing Trifluoromethyl Moiety

Polar Anchoring Strength and Surface Ordering in NLC by the Washing Process on Rubbed Polymer Surfaces Containing Trifluoromethyl Moiety

The polar anchoring strength and surface ordering in a NLC,4-n-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (5CB), on a rubbed polyimide (PI) surface containing trifluoromethyl moiety were studied. The large extrapolation length de of 5CB for washing process of water was measured at RS=114 mm. The polar anchoring energy of 5CB on the rubbed PI surface is decreased by the washing process. Also, the polar anchoring energy of 5CB increases with the rubbing strength on the PI surface. The surface ordering of 5CB for all washing processes is smaller than the non-washing process; it is attributed to the washing process.