Liquid crystal phase transitions in dispersions of rod-like colloidal particles

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Abstract
The isotropic - nematic (I - N) phase transition in dispersions of sterically stabilized rod-like boehmite (AlOOH) colloids is studied. We have examined the influence of the steric stabilizer, the dispersion medium and the presence of non-adsorbing polymer on the phase transition process. Dispersions in cyclohexane show an I - N phase separation that proceeds by a slow sedimentation of a pinned structure, shrinking from the meniscus, finally forming the nematic phase after weeks or months, depending on the steric stabilizer used. In toluene the onset of the I - N has shifted to higher volume fractions where individual nematic droplets grow and sediment, forming the nematic phase after one week. By adding non-adsorbing polymer to dispersions in cyclohexane the onset of the I - N phase separation shifts to lower colloid volume fractions. At polymer concentrations just above the phase boundary the same scenario as in the toluene dispersions without added non-adsorbing polymer is observed. At slightly higher polymer concentrations an abrupt change in scenario occurs. Now an interconnected network is formed which starts to sediment, resembling the process in pure cyclohexane dispersions. Clearly small variations in colloidal interactions engendered by the changes in dispersion characteristics considered in this work, have a strong influence on the I - N phase transition process.