Mean field theory of nematic order in gels

Abstract

We analyze the phase diagram of a gel of rod-like macromolecules undergoing a nematic transition using the Landau–de Gennes approach. We consider the effect of applied stress and of the sample history. We find that orienting the polymer solution prior to gelation and applying stress to the prepared gel influences the phase diagram in a similar fashion. For strong enough preordering or for sufficiently high stress a critical point is reached.