Phase ordering of the liquid crystalline 'B-7' phase by analysis of fractal growth patterns

The phase ordering process of bent-core mesogenic molecules is qualitativel y different from that observed for conventional rod-like (calamitic) mesoge ns. Fractal dimensional analysis can be employed to characterize the phase ordering process of these unconventional mesogens. The phase transition bet ween the isotropic melt and the liquid crystalline 'B-7' phase of a 'banana -molecule' material has been investigated in terms of fractal growth patter ns, with respect to sample thickness and rate of temperature change. It is shown, that there is a crossover from confinement dominated phase growth to volume behaviour, while the cooling rate has no influence on the dimension of the fractal patterns observed during the phase ordering process.