Zinc Oxide (1% Cu) Nanoparticle in Nematic Liquid Crystal: Dielectric and Electro-Optical Study

The present study reports the dielectric and electro-optical study of inorganic ZnO (Cu 1%) nanoparticles doped nematic liquid crystal (5CB). The dielectric permittivity is found to decrease in the nano doped sample. Nanoparticle doped liquid crystal has good response under various conditions to evaluate their potential as electro-optical materials for various purposes. From electro-optical study we have found Freedricksz transition voltage V_th and response time τ₀ and hence K₁₁ and rotational viscosity γ are also calculated. It is found that K₁₁ and V_th increases for nano-doped sample. Rotational viscosity γ also increases for the nanoparticle doped sample. These changes have been explained in this article according to Osipov and Ternentjev theory of rotational viscosity of nematic liquid crystal.