A model for phase transitions in a system of rod-like colloidal suspensions

The present paper describes an extension of the Maier-Saupe theory of liquid crystals to a system of charged interacting rods and shows that nematic to isotropic transitions can also be induced by increasing the charge on the rods. The effects of length of rod, concentration of salt and the volume fraction on the phase diagram are described. The concept of the charge-induced isotropic phase is described, and it is argued that the structure is expected to be glassy. Evidence to support these conclusions from the existing literature is presented.