First-order transition between nematic phases in lyotropic liquid crystals

Abstract

Experimental evidence for the existence of a first order transition between N_c–N_d uniaxial lyonematic phases as a function of the variable M _d (number of decanol molecules per amphiphilic molecule) is reported. The relevance of this evidence to molecular models for micellar aggregates is discussed. The evidence is for a change in micellar symmetry at this transition.