Density minimum in the isotropic-nematic transition of hard cut-spheres

Fartaria, Rui P.S. and Sweatman, M.B. (2009) Density minimum in the isotropic-nematic transition of hard cut-spheres. Chemical Physics Letters, 478 (4-6). pp. 150-154. ISSN 0009-2614

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Abstract

We study the isotropic-nematic transition of hard cut-spheres over a wide range of aspect ratios using Monte Carlo simulation and umbrella sampling. We find a minimum in the density of both coexisting phases near to L/D=0.04 (thickness/diameter) and show that this minimum is a result of competition between the solid volume of the disks and the free volume which is significantly influenced by nematic pre-ordering in the isotropic phase. We expect similar behaviour for other kinds of discotic particles. This behaviour should be observed as a kind of 'partially re-entrant' isotropic phase for discotic mesogens within an appropriate concentration range.

Creators(s): Fartaria, Rui P.S. and Sweatman, M.B.;
Item type:Article
ID code:13467
Keywords:density, isotropic-nematic transition, hard cut-spheres, chemical engineering, Chemical technology, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General), Physics, Physics and Astronomy(all), Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Subjects:Technology > Chemical technology
Technology > Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Science > Physics
Department:Faculty of Engineering > Chemical and Process Engineering
Depositing user: Dr Martin Sweatman
Date deposited:19 Nov 2009 15:30
Last modified:20 Jan 2021 18:16
URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/13467
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