Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper explores the phase transitions between calamitic nematic ( N C ), biaxial nematic ( N B ) and discotic nematic ( N D ) phases in a mixture containing potassium laurate ( KL ), decanol ( DeOH ) , potassium sulphate ( K 2 SO 4 ) and water ( H 2 O ) . These transitions are studied using refractive indices and conoscopic images. The N C phase is uniaxial negative, while the N D phase is uniaxial positive, as expected. The biaxial nematic phases, both negative ( N B − negative) and positive ( N B + positive), are observed within the biaxial range and confirmed by conoscopic images. Temperature dependence of the symmetric invariant ( σ 2 ) of the order parameter is obtained from refractive index data in the biaxial nematic range. A transition from an N B − to an N B + configuration is determined at this point where the corresponding σ 2 reaches the maximum value. In this context, the micelle loses its predominant calamitic shape to acquire a predominant discotic shape.
Published Version
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