Abstract
We theoretically model the nucleation of nematic droplets during phase ordering in mixtures of a flexible polymer and a low-molecular-weight, liquid crystal. By appealing to classical nucleation theory (CNT), we calculate the energy barrier to nucleation and the size of a. critical nucleus. We study the influence of a metastable intermediate phase on the nucleation of the nematic. Below a triple point in the phase diagram, there axe two distinct mechanisms for the formation of a nematic nucleus: 1) direct nucleation from the isotropic phase and 2) nucleation via a precursor metastable isotropic phase. We calculate the crossover concentration as a function of temperature, delineating the regions of the phase diagram in which each mechanism prevails. In the latter case, the presence of a hidden metastable isotropic isotropic binodal may either promote or delay the nucleation of a nematic phase.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 89-95 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | The European Physical Journal E (EPJ E) |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2002 |