The Somoza-Tarazona density-functional theory is applied to the isotropic-nematic interface of hard spherocylinders with length (L)-to-diameter $\mathrm{}\left(D\right)\mathrm{}$ ratios in the range $L/D=5\mathrm{}–20.$ Properties such as the density and orientational order-parameter profiles and the variation of interfacial tension with bulk nematic tilt angle agree qualitatively with results of previous studies at larger values of $L/D$ using both computer simulation and the Onsager second-virial approximation. The minimum interfacial tension is obtained at a tilt angle of $90°.$ For values of $L/D\sim 5,$ it is found that the Onsager approximation predicts a spurious minimum in the interfacial tension at small tilt angles.

• Received 8 May 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.66.021708