Theory of thermotropic polymer liquid crystals

The thermal nematic system consisting of semiflexible polymer liquid crysta l chains is considered. Orientational order for liquid crystal particles an d for chain as a whole in addition to the chain anisotropy parameters at th e nematic-to-isotropic transition and in the stable nematic phase are consi dered. Results are obtained by extension of the Maier and Saupe theory of t hermotropic liquid crystals on systems of semiflexible macromolecules. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.