M. Schonstein et al., Effect of the network on the director fluctuations in a nematic side-groupelastomer analysed by static and dynamic light scattering, EUR PHY J E, 5(5), 2001, pp. 511-517
Static and dynamic light scattering experiments were performed on monodomai
ns of a crosslinked nematic side-group polysiloxane. The depolarized scatte
ring caused by fluctuations of the nematic director was analysed. Due to a
superposed strong static scattering produced by heterogeneities the fluctua
ting part of the scattering intensity was found to be rather small. In cont
rast to low molar mass nematics, the relaxation rates and strength did not
show a significant dependence on the scattering vector. The results can be
explained by restoring torques on the director originating from the couplin
g to the network elasticity which dominate those originating from the Rank
elasticity. Quantities describing the coupling as well as effective viscosi
ties for the director reorientation were obtained.