Shatahina O. Rheological and optical characteristics and modelling of quasi-macroscopic boundary structures of non-mesogens

The thesis presents the results of experimental and theoretical study of the physical properties of ELC layers of individual saturated hydrocarbons, aliphatic-based lubricants and individual aromatic liquids formed at the metal and dielectric substrates. A significant part of the work is devoted to the study of the temperature dependence of the structural properties of ELC layers, revealing the role of formation of associates of liquid molecules in the organization of such layers. Optical and viscometric methods of research of heterophase inhomogeneous layers of liquids containing ELC were improved. A molecular-statistical model of ELC organization, that can explain the experimen-tal temperature dependence of thickness of ELC layer is proposed. Rheological models that can reflect the characteristics of shear flow of heterophase layers of liquids and determine structure-sensitive properties of the ELC were developed. Structural parameters of ELC layers of studied liquids formed near the substrate were evaluated within the framework of the models. Results obtained in research of orientation-ordered layers that determine the energy dissipation processes in heavy-duty friction joints in their mode of boundary friction, are relevant to improve the operational reliability of the friction units.