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Conformational transitions of a semiflexible polymer in nematic solvents

Akihiko Matsuyama
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Abstract

Conformations of a single semiflexible polymer chain dissolved in a low molecular weight liquid crystalline solvents (nematogens) are examined by using a mean field theory. We takes into account a stiffness and partial orientational ordering of the polymer. As a result of an anisotropic coupling between the polymer and nematogen, we predict a discontinuous (or continuous) phase transition from a condensed-rodlike conformation to a swollen-one of the polymer chain, depending on the stiffness of the polymer. We also discuss the effects of the nematic interaction between polymer segments.

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Akihiko Matsuyama. 2002-12-05. Conformational transitions of a semiflexible polymer in nematic solvents. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.67.042701

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