The first part of the thesis deals with the impact of surface-functionalized nanoparticles (NP) can have on the stability of liquid crystal (LC) phases. Experimental data of NP concentration-driven phase transition between the isotropic and nematic phase in 5OO8 LCs were used to create a minimal mathematical model that would …
This work presents experimental studies of ordering phenomena, electromechanical and electrocaloric properties in single crystal, ceramic and solid solution relaxor ferroelectrics and single crystal ferroelectric materials. The main aim of investigations is to prove the existence of a liquid-vapor critical point in these systems and to verify its impact on …
KTaO3 belongs to the group of incipient ferroelectrics, which are materials important from the fundamental, as well as from the applications, point of view. It is well known in its single-crystal form; however, the processing of technologically interesting ceramics and thin films is a challenging task and knowledge of their …
This thesis presents the results of our experimental work in the field of new advanced materials such as liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), electrocalorics and magnetoelectrics. In the first part, the conversion of thermal to mechanical energy is addressed in LCEs. The three important, newly discovered, chemical and physical parameters for …