Liquid crystals were first discovered in the 1890s when observing cholesterol, they flow like liquids but have a repeating crystalline pattern and two melting points. There are three main types of liquid crystals - thermotropic which are the most common and flow like liquids, useful in displays; lyotropic which use a solvent and contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts; and metallotropic which are similar to lyotropic but contain metals affecting melting points. Liquid crystals find applications in electronic displays like televisions, watches, phones and more through liquid crystal displays, as well as in soap, conducting foams and observing cholesterol.
2. Overview First Discovered in 1890s while observing cholesterol Flow like liquids, but have a repeating crystalline pattern Have 2 melting points Reflect polarized light
3. 3 Different Types Depends on Temperature and Pressure Liquid Crystals only form under specific conditions
4. Thermotropic The most common type Flow like liquids Useful in liquid crystal displays (iphones)
5. Lyotropic Solvent provides fluidity Contains phospholipids Contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts
7. Real World Applications Liquid crystal displays are in: Television screens (LCD display stands for liquid crystal display) Watch displays Cell phones Almost anything electronic with a screen.
