Influence of ZnO nanoparticles dispersion in Liquid Crystalline compounds – Experimental studies

Abstract In the present work synthesis and characterisation are carried on Liquid Crystalline compounds p-n-nonyloxy benzoic acid (9OBA) and p-n-un decyloxy benzoic acid (11OBA) compounds and with 1wt% ZnO nanoparticle dispersion. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique is used to measure the phase transition temperatures. Further characterization done by various spectroscopic techniques like X-ray Diffraction spectrometric studies (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy studies (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Textural determinations of the synthesized compounds were recorded by using Polarizing Optical Microscope (POM) connected with hot stage and camera. The results shows that the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in 9OBA and 11OBA exhibits NC phases as same as the pure compounds with reduced clearing temperature as expected. Further, the nematic thermal ranges are also increased while performing both DSC and POM with the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles. Size dependence on bonding nature with LC compounds is established.