Ferroelectric liquid crystal nanocomposites: recent development and future perspective

Abstract

In recent years, dispersion of nanomaterials in liquid crystal media has attracted a great deal of attention for their applications in various fields and basic understanding. In this regard, nanocomposites of ferroelectric liquid crystals hold a great promise for technological advancement in displays, sensors, development of hybrid materials for optical applications and others. With the emphasis on the properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals, this paper presents a summarizing overview with critical comments on the progress made in last one decade in understanding the influence of nanoparticles on the ferroelectric liquid crystals. The dispersion of nanoparticles in liquid crystal (host material) significantly influences its properties, thereby making the dispersed material more promising for potential applications.