Effect of Electric Fields on the Rheological Properties of the Isotropic Phase of phic/p-Xylene Solutions

Abstract

The effect of high ac electric fields upon a liquid crystalline polymer solution, poly(n-hexyl isocyanate) in p-xylene, is examined. The results show that the solutions exhibit an increase in rheological properties proportional to the strength of the field at concentrations well below those exhibiting liquid crystalline behavior. The effects of frequency and field strength are examined as a means to explain this previously unreported phenomenon.