Abstract
How to dynamically tune an assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles adsorbed at fluid-fluid interfaces using dipolar capillary interactions is demonstrated. A previously discovered first-order phase transition is exploited and it is shown how to spontaneously turn off these dipolar capillary interactions by exceeding a critical field strength, providing unprecedented control of the bottom-up fabrication of soft materials.
Highlights
The fabrication of novel soft materials is an important scientific and technological challenge
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We investigate the response of ellipsoidal particles adsorbed at fluid-fluid interfaces to external magnetic fields
Summary
The fabrication of novel soft materials is an important scientific and technological challenge. By exploiting previously discovered first-order orientation phase transitions,[1,2,3] we show how to switch on and off dipolar capillary interactions between particles, leading to the formation of distinctive self-assembled structures and allowing dynamical control of the bottom-up fabrication of novel-structured materials.
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