Cracks and topological defects in lyotropic nematic gels.
We report on the effects of the coupling of nematic order and elasticity in anisotropic lyotropic gels consisting of large nematic domains of surfactant coated single wall carbon nanotubes embedded in a cross-linked N-isopropyl acrylamide polymer matrix. We observe the following striking features: (i) undulations and then cusping of the gel sidewalls, (ii) a nematic director field that evolves as the gel sidewalls deform, (iii) networks of surface cracks that are orthogonal to the nematic director field, and (iv) fissures at the sidewall cusps and associated topological defects that would not form in liquid nematics.
Islam
M F
MF
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, 209 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6396, USA.
Nobili
M
M
Ye
Fangfu
F
Lubensky
T C
TC
Yodh
A G
AG
D016880:Anisotropy; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D004548:Elasticity; D005782:Gels; D008422:Materials Testing; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005782:Gels; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D011108:Polymers