Tactoids crystalline phase

From macroscopic observations, it appears that in the DMDBTDMA-dodecane system the nature of the third phase (liquid, gel, or solid) (140) depends to a large extent on the extracted species. In some cases, microphase separations can be obtained, that is, the coexistence of a more crystalline phase with domains of diluted phase that do not separate upon centrifugation. In classical colloidal literature (141), this situation is described as a dispersion of tactoids in the form of small amounts of liquid crystals, giving macroscopically a gel. 

Various factors such as size, shape, dispersity, charge, electrolyte, and external stimuli can affect the liquid crystallinity, pitch, domain size, ordering and other properties [9]. The sample suspension was submitted to ultrasonic treatment at 800 W for 8 min. After high power sonication, we could observe a trip-like texture [Fig. 13.6a]. And "tactoid could be observed in the following 24 h, which would aggregate with each other gradually [Figs. 13.6b-e]. Then the pitch characteristic of a chiral nematic phase is clearly observed and the domain size of the chiral nematic... 

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