Molecular theory of nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

The thermodynamic conditions of nematic stability are discussed on the basis of the molecular statistical theory of orientational order developed in previous papers. Theoretical calculations of the order parameter in the nematic phase and the volume change at the nematic-isotropic transition point are presented for 2-4-nonadienic acid, 2-4-undecadienic acid, p-azoxyanisole, p-azoxyphenetole and anisaldazine. The significance of the results are discussed briefly.