Abstract
Long-range forces between ultra-fine particles imbedded in liquid crystal (LC) matrices result in intriguing colloids. Embedded inorganic particles in LC contribute to the properties of the LC matrix. For example, doping of a LC with ferromagnetic particles resulted in a strong enhancement of magnetic properties of the LC. Large (>>”m) colloidal particles form defects in LC matrices due to strong director deformations and ensembles of these particles and defects can form complex structures. Small (<<”m) particles at its high concentration (>2-3% by weight) create almost a rigid LC suspension. Here we show that at low concentrations LC nanocolloids appear similar to a pure LC with no readily apparent evidence of dissolved particles, but possess unique properties. The diluted suspensions are stable, because the small concentration of nanoparticles does not significantly perturb the director field in the LC, and interaction between the particles is weak. At the same time, the nanoparticles share their intrinsic properties with the LC matrix due to the anchoring with the LC. In particular, doping a nematic LC matrix with ferroelectric nanoparticles results in a suspension, which possesses an enhanced dielectric anisotropy and reveals ferroelectric and paraelectric properties inherent to the nanoparticles.
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