Abstract
A free energy expression is proposed that describes the isotropic-nematic binodal concentrations of hard rods. A simple analytical form for this free energy was yet only available using a Gaussian trial function for the orientation distribution function (ODF), leading, however, to a significant deviation of the predicted binodals.Thenewfree energy proposed here is based upon a rationalized correction to the orientational and packing entropies when using the Gaussian ODF. In combination with Parsons-Lee theory or scaled particle theory, it enables describing the isotropic-nematic phase coexistence concentrations of rods accurately using the simple Gaussian ODF for a wide range of aspect ratios.
| Original language | English |
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| Article number | 5871826 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-6 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Advances in Condensed Matter Physics |
| Volume | 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |