Effects of carbon nanotubes on the isotropic to nematic phase transition in nematic liquid crystal elastomer

Abstract

Abstract The isotropic to nematic phase transition on nematic liquid crystal elastomer - carbon nanotubes composites has been studied theoretically. The model free energy density has been constructed using Flory Huggins theory of isotropic mixing and Landau-de Gennes theory. The effects of carbon nanotubes and external mechanical stress on the isotropic to nematic phase transition of the nematic liquid crystal elastomer-carbon nanotubes composites have been discussed. The volume fraction of carbon nanotubes dependence of the isotropic to nematic transition temperature, mechanical strain and strain birefringence has been calculated. The weak first-order character of the isotropic to nematic phase transition on nematic liquid crystal elastomer-carbon nanotubes composites has been predicted.