Publications by authors named "Neha B Topnani"
A novel form of nematic gel (N-gel) wherein bright flower-like domains (BFDs) rich in gelator fibres are embedded in a matrix of liquid crystal (LC) molecules has been reported. These gels which we denote as inverse N-gels are unlike typical N-gels in which the LC is encapsulated within an aggregated network of gelator molecules. The self-organization of the helical gelator fibres within the BFDs leads to the creation of localized toron-like structures that are topologically protected due to their skyrmion director profile.
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- - The study examines how periodic orientation patterns in nematic gels are created through spontaneous self-assembly of fibrous aggregates when combined with an aligned liquid crystal (LC).
- - Experimental techniques such as optical microscopy and calorimetry reveal three reversible states—isotropic liquid, nematic, and nematic gel—linked to the unique properties of the polar liquid crystal and hydrogen bonding between gelator molecules.
- - The research also explores how the chemical characteristics and alignment of the LC affect the morphology of the gelator fibers, with potential applications in creating templates for nanoparticle arrays within an LC matrix for advanced device fabrication.