Student Work

The Phase Transitions of 4’-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl + C60 Colloidal Composites

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This project experimentally determined how the nematic-isotropic phase transitions of colloidal composites consisting of 5CB and C60 change as C60 mass concentration increases. Using MDSC comparisons of the concentration's reversible and nonreversible heat capacitance signals were analyzed which yielded values for phase transition temperature, enthalpy, and coexistence region of both phases. The analysis showed fluctuating results. Polarized light microscope images showed isolated domains of C60 and 5CB. A mechanically quenched macroscopic model of the composites was constructed and tested. Steric modeling confirmed that the local domains were due to the unique geometries of 5CB and C60 and that steric packing may account for the unexpected thermal results.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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  • E-project-042610-224416
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  • 2010
Date created
  • 2010-04-26
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Permanent link to this page: https://digital.wpi.edu/show/00000133r