A new model for dipole-dipole association in mesogenic systems

It is proposed that apolar association between mesogens should lead to both parallel and anti-parallel ordering of molecular dipoles in mesogenic solutions and mesophases. New measurements of Kirkwood correlation factors for solutions of four polar mesogens are interpreted in terms of a new model for dipole-association. Results suggest that there are substantial differences between the association behaviour of different mesogens, dependent on the molecular shape and polarizability.