Simulation of scattering and phase behavior around the isotropic-nematic transition of discotic particles.

The detailed study of the isotropic-nematic phase transition in a system of discotic particles of aspect ratios L/D≤0.1 presented here is relevant to a broad range of colloidal suspensions of chemically modified clay particles. Using Monte Carlo simulation techniques the equation of state, radial distribution functions, structure factors and normalized scattering intensities are calculated for each phase.