The first part of the thesis deals with the impact of surface-functionalized nanoparticles (NP) can have on the stability of liquid crystal (LC) phases. Experimental data of NP concentration-driven phase transition between the isotropic and nematic phase in 5OO8 LCs were used to create a minimal mathematical model that would …
The thesis presents experimental studies of colloidal interactions and novel colloidal structures in confined nematic liquid crystal using optical tweezers. Liquid crystal colloids are a novel class of composite materials with well-controlled periodic structures in the nanometer and micrometer ranges. Moreover, they also posses novel mechanical, optical and rheological properties, …