Crystalline transitions in free-standing films of 4-n-heptyloxybenzylidene-4-n-heptylaniline
Journal
Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
Journal Volume
61
Journal Issue
5 A
Pages
5407-5409
Date Issued
2000
Author(s)
Abstract
Free-standing films of 4-n-heptyloxybenzylidene-4-n-heptylaniline are known to exhibit multiple smectic-I surface layers in the presence of a smectic-A interior. The phase transitions leading to the crystallization of these films have been studied using electron diffraction. Our data are consistent with the scenario of the smectic-I surface layers first developing a crystal-B outermost layer before transforming entirely into the crystal-B phase, to be followed by the freezing of the smectic-A interior. The adjacent crystal-B and smectic-I layers show evidence of orientational epitaxy. © 2000 The American Physical Society.
Type
journal article