Abstract
Abstract Competing nematic and smectic A phases of comb-like polymers are described by combining Maier-Saupe and McMillan type theories with the worm concept of semi-flexible polymers. There are as few material parameters as possible: main chain flexibility and phenomenological coupling constants. New qualitative predictions, the existence of critical points and re-entrant nematic phases, as well as quantitative predictions for comparison with experiments are provided. A new mechanism for thermotropic nematic biaxiality which is specific of side-chain polymeric liquid crystals is found.
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