Qualitatively and Quantitatively Different Configurations of Nematic-Nanoparticle Mixtures

Maha Zid ^1,2, Kaushik Pal ³, Saša Harkai ^1,4

⁰Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Nanomaterials (basel, Switzerland) +

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March 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Particles influence liquid crystal (LC) order by acting as topological defects. Their geometry dictates defect type, forming crystal-like arrays with alternating charges, impacting system configuration.

Area Of Science

Soft Matter Physics
Materials Science
Liquid Crystals

Background

Liquid crystals (LCs) exhibit orientational order sensitive to external influences.
Nanoparticles and micro-scale particles can alter LC behavior.
Understanding particle-LC interactions is key for novel material design.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate how different particles influence the orientational order in particle-LC mixtures.
To characterize particles as topological point defects in nematic LCs.
To explore the resulting defect configurations and their stability.

Main Methods

Theoretical analysis of particle-LC interactions.
Modeling of topological defects induced by particles.
Examination of defect charge and geometry relationships.

Main Results

Particles act as topological point defects with charge 'q' dependent on their topology.
Spherical particles function as q=1 monopoles, inducing point-like or line-like defects.
Systems form crystal-like arrays of monopole defects with alternating charges.
Defect configurations can be metastable or stable, influenced by sample history.

Conclusions

Particle topology dictates their role as topological defects in LCs.
The induced defect structures are topologically constrained to maintain charge neutrality.
Sample history plays a crucial role in determining the final defect configuration in particle-LC systems.

Keywords:

nanoparticles nematic liquid crystals point and line defects topological charge