Thermotropic systems, external fields

A specific property of liquid crystals is the ability to undergo structural transformadons under the effect of electric and magnetic fields. The appearance of lyo- and thermotropic mesomorphism in polymer systems also implies the possibility of controlling their structural-optical properties with external fields. This ability to alter the structure in electric and magnetic fields was one of the most convincing arguments in support of the validity of existence of polymers in the LC phase in general. 

On the other hand, the interest towards this field is accounted for by the possibility to create polymeric systems, combining the unique properties of low-molecular liquid crystals and high molecular compounds, making it feasible to produce films, fibers and coatings with extraordinary features. It is well-known that the utilization of low-molecular thermotropic liquid crystals requirs special hermetic protective shells (electrooptical cells, microcapsules etc.), which maintain their shape and protect LC compounds from external influences. In the case of thermotropic LC polymers there is no need for such sandwich-like constructions, because the properties of low-molecular liquid crystals and of polymeric body are combined in a single individual material. This reveals essentially new perspectives for their application. 

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