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Liquid Crystals

Liquid crystals are flowable liquids, with orientational and positional order of constituent molecules found in a typical crystal material

Liquid crystals are highly structured liquids, with the orientational (nematic, cholesteric) and positional (smectic) order of constituent molecules. The type of molecular order is controlled by the shape and chirality of liquid crystal molecules, with over one hundred known liquid crystal phases. Molecular alignment in liquid crystal films results in optical properties (e.g. refractive index, reflectivity, transmission) that can vary with wavelength (color) and polarization of incident light. 

Liquid crystals are stimuli-responsive materials. Their molecular order is sensitive to their environment, e.g. temperature, electric and magnetic fields, or adsorption of chemicals. Due to the two key attributes of liquid crystals, liquid-like behavior and optical anisotropy, liquid crystals are primarily used in switchable displays and optoelectronic devices. Liquid crystalline polymer networks and elastomers are promising stimuli-responsive materials under close investigation by academic, governmental, and industrial researchers for potential applications in soft robotics, ruggedized electronics, and the health sciences.

We offer many well-defined nematic, cholecteric, and smectic molecular liquid crystals, as well as discotic liquid crystals and several polymeric liquid crystal materials. In addition, we offer a selection of liquid crystal mesogens, which are molecular blocks known to have liquid crystalline order. Our liquid crystal building blocks are synthons commonly used to make liquid crystal molecules. Discover our broad portfolio of innovative liquid crystal materials to accelerate your scientific breakthroughs. 

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