Description

Mesogens are disordered solids or ordered liquids because they arise from a unique state of matter that exhibits both solid- and liquid-like properties called the liquid crystalline state.This liquid crystalline state (LC) is called the mesophase and occurs between the crystalline solid (Cr) state and the isotropic liquid (Iso) state at distinct temperature ranges. The liquid crystal properties arise because mesogenic compounds are composed of rigid and flexible parts, which help characterize the order and mobility of its structure.The rigid components align mesogen moieties in one direction and have distinctive shapes that are typically found in the form of rod or disk shapes.The flexible segments provide mesogens with mobility because they are usually made up of alkyl chains, which hinder crystallization to a certain degree.The combination of rigid and flexible chains induce structural alignment and fluidity between liquid crystal moieties.