Conformational transitions of a semiflexible polymer in nematic solvents

Abstract

Conformations of a single semiflexible polymer chain dissolved in a low-molecular-weight liquid crystalline solvent (nematogen) are examined by using a mean field theory. We take 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. © 2003 The American Physical Society.