Prediction of Leslie Coefficients for Rodlike Polymer Nematics

Doi's molecular theory for the dynamics of rod-like polymers in concentrated solutions is here extended to include the effect of a molecular field. The resulting expression for the stress tensor is then linearized so as to obtain the Leslie coefficients in the nematic phase. Each of these coefficients takes the form of a basic viscosity - dependent on rod concen tration and rotational diffusion constant - times a different function of the equilibrium order parameter. The predicted ordering of the three Miesowicz viscosi ties is in agreement with the experimental evidence.