Mixing model colloidal particles with a thermotropic nematic liquid crystal results in a soft solid with significant storage modulus ${(G}^{\prime }\sim {10}^3-{10}^5\hspace{0.5em}\mathrm{Pa}).\mathrm{}$ The soft solid comprises a network of particle aggregates, formed by the exclusion of particles from emergent nematic domains as the mixture is cooled below the isotropic-nematic transition. The unusually high storage modulus of the colloid–liquid-crystal composites may be due to the local frustration of nematic order within the particle aggregates. The birefringent soft solid is potentially important as a switchable electro-optical material that can be readily handled and processed.

• Received 10 January 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.61.R6083