HYDROLYSIS AND CONDENSATION OF OCTYLTRIMETHOXYSILANE IN NONIONIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS

Octyltrimethoxysilane was introduced into a lamellar liquid crystal st abilized by a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and allowed to react with th e water present. The methanol formed was removed by evaporation and wa ter added to find the range of stability for the liquid crystal. Low a ngle X-ray diffraction was used to determine interlayer spacings and t he geometry of the layered structure and the molecular packing of the constituents after condensation. The presence of the hydrolyzed silico n compound reduced the water penetration into the lamellar phase in a pronounced manner.