Taming Liquid Crystal Self-Assembly: The Multifaceted Response of Nematic and Smectic Shells to Polymerization.
By photopolymerizing liquid crystal shells, their rich variety of self-assembled structures can be rendered permanent and the lifetime extended from days to months, without removing the characteristic responsiveness. If polymerization is carried out close to either boundary of the nematic phase, the process triggers the transition into the adjacent phase, to higher or to lower degree of order.
University of Luxembourg, Physics & Materials Science Research Unit, 162a Avenue de la Faiencerie, Luxembourg, L-1511, Luxembourg.
JungHyun
J
Noh
University of Luxembourg, Physics & Materials Science Research Unit, 162a Avenue de la Faiencerie, Luxembourg, L-1511, Luxembourg.
Benjamin
B
Henx
University of Luxembourg, Physics & Materials Science Research Unit, 162a Avenue de la Faiencerie, Luxembourg, L-1511, Luxembourg.
Jan P F
JP
Lagerwall
liquid crystals; microfluidics; polymerization; spherical topology; topological defects