Abstract
The layer thinning transitions in free-standing films of several liquid-crystal compounds containing different combinations of flexible tails have been systematically investigated. The results clearly indicate that fluorination of liquid-crystal compounds plays an essential role in the layer-by-layer thinning transitions of free-standing films above the bulk smectic-A–isotropic transition temperature [Formula Presented] The surface ordering effects of these fluorinated compounds above [Formula Presented] is contrasted with recent x-ray results that suggest surface disorder below [Formula Presented] in a fluorinated liquid-crystal compound.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | R2721-R2724 |
| Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |