Abstract
We theoretically study interfacial properties between two coexisting phases in mixtures of a flexible polymer and a low molecular weight liquid crystal. By numerically solving Euler equations for compositional and orientational order parameter fields, we calculate the order parameter profiles and interfacial tensions for nematic-isotopic and isotropic-isotropic phase equilibria. We find that the order parameter profiles are non-monotonic at some temperatures. The nematic-isotopic interfacial tension increases with decreasing temperature and is approximately proportional to (T - T_<NI>)^n at temperatures below the nematic-isotropic transition temperature (T_<NI>) of the pure nematogen. The value of the exponent n is strongly affected by the existence of a triple point.
