Abstract

The isobaric phase diagram of a binary system is presented where one mixing component is an achiral five-ring bent-core mesogen and the other is the electron acceptor compound 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF). In the mixed phase region a SmA phase as well as a polar (antiferroelectric) biaxial SmA phase (C_PA) are induced. Depending on the concentration the unusual phase sequences B₂–SmA, C_PA–SmA and B₂–C_PA–SmA could be observed. The mesophases occurring in this system have been characterised by their optical textures, by X-ray investigations and by electro-optical measurements.