Mixing model colloidal particles with a thermotropic nematic liquid crystal
results in a soft solid with significant storage modulus (G' similar to 10
(3) - 10(5) Pa). 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 hig
h storage modulus of the colloid-liquid-crystal composites may be due to th
e local frustration of nematic order within the particle aggregates. The bi
refringent soft solid is potentially important as a switchable electro-opti
cal material that can be readily handled and processed.