Nanoparticle inclusions in self assembly thin smectic films

Abstract
Processing of nanocomposites based on nanoparticles inclusion in thin smectic-A liquid crystal was reviewed. Thin smectic-A liquid crystal consists of a stack of regularly spaced membranes that are frequently formed in thin diblock copolymers. Particular attention was given to the scientific concepts that underpin the fabrication of special composite derived copolymer components. The complex interplay between suspension stability and its structural evolution during nanomaterial processing was highlighted. Inclusions, such as nanoparticles, coupled locally to the smectic may deform the membranes over a large length scale. Fluctuations due to inclusions was determined using the Landau- de Gennes description of smectic liquid crystals and by neglecting the interactions between nanoparticles. We showed that the fluctuations was very small compared to the lamellar period of the nanocomposites. In addition, the equilibrium position of the particle depends on both surface tension at the film boundary and concentration of the nanoparticles.