Orientational effect of the extensional flow field on solutions of rigid rodlike macromolecules-disappearance of the isotropic to nematic phase transition

The effect of steady state uniaxial extensional flow on a solution of rigid rodlike macromolecules is theoretically studied. The mean field theory of Maier and Saupe is extended to cover situations in which the macromolocular solution is subjected to an extensional flow field. It is found that for a given solution a critical flow gradient exists beyond which the first order nematic-isotropic phase transition, which is typical of such solutions in the absence of flow, disappears. A similar result is obtained when the theory of Onsager is applied to the problem. Order parameter as a function of flow gradient is calculated and it is shown that the contribution of flow to the ordering of macromolecules is most significant when the stationary solution is isotropic but close to the transition point.