Liquid crystals that affected the world: discotic liquid crystals

• Published in: Liquid crystals Vol. 38; no. 11-12; pp. 1415 - 1426
• Main Authors: Bushby, Richard J., Kawata, Ken
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.11.2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Crystals; Devices; discotic liquid crystal; Field effect transistors; Liquid crystal displays; Liquid crystals; Lubricants; Lubricants & lubrication; optical compensating film; Optics; organic field effect transistor; organic light-emitting devices; organic photovoltaic devices; Photovoltaic cells; Semiconductor devices; Solar cells; specialist lubricants; Transistors
• ISSN: 0267-8292; 1366-5855
• DOI: 10.1080/02678292.2011.603262

The main applications and potential applications of discotic liquid crystals are reviewed. At present their most important application is in the manufacture of optical compensating films; films that increase the angle of view in liquid crystal displays. Their use as lubricants and lubricant additives also seems to be developing into a significant area. Progress in the development of other applications is reviewed, including field effect transistors, light-emitting devices, photovoltaic devices and the electronic nose. This is a relatively young field and, as with any new class of materials, it takes time to find applications where their unique properties present a real advantage. However, discotic liquid crystals are already having a significant impact.