Anisotropic alignment

Probably the most interesting feature of SCLCPs is their ability to freeze an anisotropic alignment below the glass transition, coupled with the fluidity of the mesophase [32]. This alignment can be attained by electric, magnetic or mechanical fields. 

Orientational restraints, which are derived by paramagnetic labeling of a single domain of a protein, are especially important for the analysis of domain-domain interactions (141). The paramagnetic tag induces anisotropic alignment, which is scaled for the two domains of the protein according to their relative domain mobility. 

Ligament/tendon -Tension -Elasticity -Anisotropic, aligned uniaxially Ultimate stress = 50-150 MPa -Tensile modulus = 1.2-1.8 GPa... 

Sancaktar E, Dilsiz N (1997) Anisotropic alignment of nickel particles in magnetic field for electronically conductive adhesives. J Adhes Sci Technol 11 155-166... 

The earliest photoalignment methods involved the selective decomposition of surface adsorbed dye molecules by polarised light to produce a residual anisotropic alignment layer. Such methods can produce stable layers which meet the standards required for manufacture, but there remains an element of uncertainty about the very long term stability of such layers, particularly under high illuminance. The authors of this book have developed techniques to achieve photoalignment by thermodynamic reorientation of alignment layers rather than by decomposition. 

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