Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used to study in detail how the characteristics of the isotropic-nematic phase transition change as infinitely thin hard platelets are bent into shallow lens-like particles. First, this phase transition in the former reference model system is re-examined and more accurately located. Then, it is shown quantitatively that this already quite weak but distinctly first-order phase transition weakens further upon curving the platelets to such an extent that, thanks to the thinness of these particles that does not favor its pre-emptying by a transition to a (partially) positionally ordered phase, an isotropic-nematic tricritical point limit can be arbitrarily closely approached.

The isotropic-nematic phase transition in hard, slightly curved, lens-like particles.

TANI, ALESSANDRO
2014-01-01

Abstract

Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used to study in detail how the characteristics of the isotropic-nematic phase transition change as infinitely thin hard platelets are bent into shallow lens-like particles. First, this phase transition in the former reference model system is re-examined and more accurately located. Then, it is shown quantitatively that this already quite weak but distinctly first-order phase transition weakens further upon curving the platelets to such an extent that, thanks to the thinness of these particles that does not favor its pre-emptying by a transition to a (partially) positionally ordered phase, an isotropic-nematic tricritical point limit can be arbitrarily closely approached.
2014
Cinacchi, Giorgio; Tani, Alessandro
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/625069
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