Liquid crystals were first discovered in the 1890s when observing cholesterol. They flow like liquids but have a repeating crystalline pattern and reflect polarized light. They have two melting points and strong dipoles that allow them to be easily polarized. Real world applications include liquid crystal displays in televisions, watches, phones, and electronics with screens. They are also used in soap, conducting foams, heat sensitive cameras, and Kevlar body armor which is made of intertwined liquid crystal polymers. There are three main types that depend on temperature and pressure to form.
2. Overview First Discovered in 1890s while observing cholesterol Flow like liquids, but have a repeating crystalline pattern Reflect polarized light
3. Special Properties Most have 2 melting points Cholesterol Benzoate melts into a cloudy liquid at 145 C Then melts at 178 C into a clear liquid Discovered by Friedrich Reinitzner
4. More Properties Have strong dipoles and are easily polarized The atoms are arranged in a pattern along their axis
5. Real World Applications Electric fields can be used to change the colors of liquid crystals. Liquid crystal displays are in: Television screens (LCD display stands for liquid crystal display) Watch displays Cell phones Almost anything electronic with a screen.
6. More applications Soap Conducting foams Heat Sensitive cameras use liquid crystal screens that respond to heat.
7. Even More Applications Kevlar, the most widely used body armor is made up of intertwined liquid crystal polymers.
8. 3 Different Types Depends on Temperature and Pressure Liquid Crystals only form under specific conditions
