Abstract / Description of output
Mixing model colloidal particles with a thermotropic nematic liquid crystal results in a soft solid with significant storage modulus (G' similar to 10(3) - 10(5) Pa). The soft solid comprises a network of particle aggregates, formed by the exclusion of particles from emergent nematic domains as the mixture is cooled below the isotropic-nematic transition. The unusually high storage modulus of the colloid-liquid-crystal composites may be due to the local frustration of nematic order within the particle aggregates. The birefringent soft solid is potentially important as a switchable electro-optical material that can be readily handled and processed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | R6083-R6086 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical review E: Statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2000 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- NEMATIC EMULSIONS
- LATEX-PARTICLES
- FORCES
- DISPERSION
- DEFECTS
- MODEL