Abstract The isotropic to nematic phase transition on nematic liquid crystal elastomer -
carbon nanotubes composites has been studied theoretically. The model free
energy density has been constructed using Flory Huggins
theory of isotropic mixing and Landau-de Gennes theory.
The effects of carbon nanotubes and
external mechanical stress on the isotropic to nematic phase transition
of the nematic liquid crystal elastomer -
carbon nanotubes composites
have
been discussed. The volume fraction of carbon nanotubes dependence of the
isotropic to nematic transition
temperature, mechanical strain and strain birefringence has
been calculated.
The weak first order character of the isotropic to nematic phase transition
on nematic liquid crystal elastomer -
carbon nanotubes
composites has been predicted.