Entropy-driven formation of the gyroid cubic phase.
We show, by computer simulation, that tapered or pear-shaped particles, interacting through purely repulsive interactions, can freely self-assemble to form the three-dimensionally periodic, gyroid cubic phase. The Ia3d gyroid cubic phase is formed by these particles on both compression of an isotropic configuration and expansion of a smectic A bilayer arrangement. For the latter case, it is possible to identify the steps by which the topological transformation from nonintersecting planes to fully interpenetrating, periodic networks takes place.
Ellison
L J
LJ
Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, United Kingdom.
Michel
D J
DJ
Barmes
F
F
Cleaver
D J
DJ