Liquid Crystal Composition Balancing High Δn and Low-Temperature Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal compositions lack high Tni, high Δn, low Vth, high Δεr, low tan δiso, and high storage stability at low temperatures, which are essential for applications such as liquid crystal displays, sensors, lenses, optical communication, and antennas, particularly in automotive and satellite communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A liquid crystal composition containing compounds represented by the general formula (i) with an ethynylene group (—C≡C—) and an isothiocyanate group (—NCS) is developed, which includes specific alkyl and substituent configurations to enhance the desired properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If liquid crystal compounds with high Δn are used, then the refractive index anisotropy is improved, but the compatibility and storage stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite liquid crystal compositions containing multiple compounds with different molecular structures (cyclic compounds, chain compounds, compounds with specific functional groups). This composite approach allows achieving high Δn (0.2 or more) while maintaining good compatibility and storage stability, as each component contributes different properties that complement each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific functional groups (ethynylene group —C≡C—, isothiocyanate group —NCS) at specific positions in the molecular structure. These local structural modifications enable precise control over Δn and storage stability without compromising overall compatibility, as the functional groups are strategically placed to optimize local molecular interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If liquid crystal composition is designed for high Tni and high Δn, then the optical performance is improved, but the viscosity and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically adjusts molecular parameters including the types of functional groups (ethynylene, isothiocyanate), the length and structure of alkyl chains (controlled by parameters m and n), and the core molecular structure. These parameter changes enable optimization of the balance between storage stability (Tni) and response time (viscosity), achieving high Tni while maintaining acceptable response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If liquid crystal compounds with specific functional groups are used to achieve high Δn, then the refractive index anisotropy is improved, but the compatibility with other liquid crystal components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveΔnVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs liquid crystal compositions with homogeneous molecular structures, using compounds that share similar core structures (cyclic or chain compounds with specific functional groups). This structural homogeneity ensures good compatibility between components while maintaining high Δn, as the similar structures facilitate uniform mixing and consistent phase behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves high Tni, high Δn, low Vth, high Δεr, and low tan δiso, along with improved storage stability, making it suitable for various applications including liquid crystal displays, sensors, lenses, optical communication equipment, and antennas.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna using a liquid crystal can change the transmission and reception direction of a radio wave by the operation of the liquid crystal within a panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

Δn required for a liquid crystal for an antenna is approximately 0.4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefractive index anisotropy: Birefringence

Implementation Method 3

a low Vth, a high Δεr

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS12486457B2Compound, liquid crystal composition, as well as liquid crystal display element, sensor, liquid crystal lens, optical communication equipment, and antenna each using the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 DIC CORP
  • US12486457B2 patent drawing
  • US12486457B2 patent drawing
  • US12486457B2 patent drawing

AI summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compound that can provide a liquid crystal composition with a high Tni, a high Δn, a low Vth, a high Δεr, a low tan δiso, and high storage stability at low temperatures, a liquid crystal composition, as well as a liquid crystal display element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, optical communication equipment, and an antenna each using this. Specifically disclosed are a compound represented by the general formula (i) having an ethynylene group (—C≡C—) and an isothiocyanate group (—NCS) and a liquid crystal composition containing one or two or more of the compounds.