Theoretical analysis of isotropic-nematic transition properties

Abstract

With the aid of a modified mean-field model, one in which the spatial correlations are handled by means of a conventional classical liquid theory and the orientational ordering alone is subjected to the mean-field approximation, we find it possible to correlate thermodynamic data near the isotropic-nematic transition region. In contrast with the Maier-Saupe theory, we deduce accurately the volume change, latent heat, and maximum supercooling temperature. The theoretical analysis when applied to PAA and MBBA leads to results in quantitative agreement with experiment. We propose that measured data on other nematic and cholesteric liquid cystals be subjected to tests under the same scheme.