Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology. Section A. Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, Vol.352, 691-698, 2000
Monte Carlo studies of model systems of rodlike molecules with partially flexible terminal groups and/or with side groups
The results of Monte Carlo simulations performed for model systems of rodlike molecules are compared with those of the same rodlike molecules with semiflexible end groups and/or with side groups. The presence of side groups perturbs the packing of the rigid cores and lowers the nematic/isotropic transition temperature. This effect is higher when the side groups are more exposed.