Colloidal crystal

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002239",
  "term": "Colloidal crystal",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An ordered array of colloidal particles that exhibits a periodic structure, analogous to an atomic crystal. These structures form when repulsive interactions between particles overcome their thermal motion, leading to long-range order. They often display iridescent colors due to the diffraction of light by their ordered lattice.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 85, 463. 'Terminology for aggregation and self-assembly in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)' on page 467 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-12-03-12)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/colloidal-crystal/"
}