Structural Color from Liquid Crystals

Structural color is responsible for an assortment of vibrant displays in nature. It appears on bird and butterfly wings, beetle exoskeletons, and flowers. Colors emerge due to the way light reflects and scatters off the material's surface. This scattering action is created by nano and microstructures on the material’s surface. Colors produced by this phenomenon include blues, greens, golds, reds, purple-pink, and more.

Because these colors are produced by structures rather than strict chemistries, they can be produced with a variety of materials - both natural and synthetic.

In this workshop, we will explore one method to achieve structural color: cellulose-based liquid crystals(hydroxypropyl cellulose). These crystals are made from cellulose nanocrystals, which are rod-like structures that self-assemble into liquid crystal phases giving off optical properties like iridescence and reflectance.

Liquid crystals are a state of matter that combines the properties of solids and liquids. That is, they may flow like a liquid, but the molecules are organized like a solid. The helical organization of HPC liquid crystals selectively reflects light wavelengths, producing color.

During this workshop we will create cellulose-based liquid crystals. We will then create framed, bioplastic artworks with these liquid crystals. Using premade bioplastics, we will create our own unique pieces, painting with the liquid crystals to create additional color effects.

In this workshop participants will

• Mix liquid crystals to create colloids
• Create bioplastic compositions
• Apply the liquid crystal “paint”
• Frame the finished compositions

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend and let us know ASAP (aW5mbyB8IGdlbnNwYWNlICEgb3Jn). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise.

Catherine Mondoa (she/her) is a materials scientist with a passion for innovation and sustainability. During the day, she works for Material ConneXion, communicating with material manufacturers and supporting brands with materials selection and inspiration. Prior to joining Material ConneXion, she studied natural, polymer materials. As part of this study, she collaborated with Dr. Ahu Gumrah Dumanli-Parry’s lab. There, she had the opportunity to work with liquid crystals to explore structural color and its responses to magnetically induced strain. Ever since, she continues to explore her material fascination through her work and her participation in Genspace.

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