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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:26
Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Colloids on free-standing smectic films
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|June 23, 2006
Abstract:
We study the structure of a free-standing smectic-A film around a micron-size polystyrene colloid adsorbed onto the film. We find that a colloid or a cluster of colloids is surrounded by an optically distinct and radially decorated meniscus ending with a sharp edge. The observed strong and finite-range attraction between the adsorbed colloids is driven by the fusion of menisci. We interpret the structure of the smectic meniscus in terms of a model dominated by the surface free energy and we argue that the characteristic appearance of the meniscus is due to layer undulations.
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