Liquid Crystallinity in Relation to Composition and Temperature in Amphiphilic Systems

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to give a broad review of the “fused” type of liquid crystalline phases formed by amphiphilic compounds and to examine the constitutional relationships of these phases to one another and to the amorphous liquid phase. Further, an account will be given of how, on changes in composition and temperature, the various phases undergo reversible interconversions through first-order phase transitions. It will be shown how these transitions follow a regular pattern which, qualitatively, can be satisfactorily interpreted on a molecular basis.