From n-layer planar ordering to the monolayer homeotropic structure of confined hard rods: The effect of shape anisotropy and wall-to-wall separation

TL;DR

This study investigates how shape anisotropy and confinement affect the phase behavior of hard parallelepiped rods in narrow slit pores, revealing transitions from layered to monolayer homeotropic structures.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of phase transitions in confined anisotropic particles considering shape and confinement effects.

Findings

Identification of phase transitions influenced by shape and confinement.

Observation of monolayer homeotropic structures at specific separations.

Analysis of biaxiality and layering in confined rod systems.

Abstract

Using the Parsons Lee theory we examined the effect of shape anisotropy and the wall to wall separation on the phase behavior of the hard parallelepiped rods with dimensions L, D, and D (L>D) in such narrow slitlike pores which only one homeotropic layer can form. The phase structures, including biaxiality, planar nematic layering transition as well as planar to homeotropic, were studied for some separations in the range 2.5D<H<10.0D for H-D<L<H.