Carbon nanoparticles in nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

Fullerene C-60, C-70, single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets are doped to nematic liquid crystal (LC) host in the same percentage. Planar samples of these mixtures are prepared and our measurements constitute an optimization basis for possible applications. Fullerene balls are found to be the best compatible material for optical aims and reorientation of LC molecules, while the carbon nanotubes experience some reorientation possibility in LC media and graphene layers are good barriers to preserve reorientation.