Confinement-driven rotator-I to rotator-V phase transition of alkane

The behavior of the rotator-I to rotator-V $\left(R_I\text{-}{R}_V\right)$ phase transition of alkane in nanoconfinement situations is studied theoretically. Recent experimental studies have shown that confinement has dramatic effects on the $R_I\text{-}{R}_V$ phase transition. These include the weakening of the $R_I\text{-}{R}_V$ phase transition, decrease of the order parameters, change of the profile of the specific heat and reduction of the extent of the hysteresis region. We described these experimental observations within Landau phenomenological theory. The impact of confinement on the $R_I\text{-}{R}_V$ phase transition is discussed in great detail. The theoretical predictions are compared with recent experimental results. (letter)