Why drying liquid crystal drops leave unusual ‘coffee rings’

Physicists have thoroughly investigated the ‘coffee ring effect,’ the ring-shaped stain of particles left after drops of coffee evaporate. In a article, they have uncovered the complex and remarkably different behavior arising in a liquid crystal drop that is drying. The research reveals novel behavior characteristics of liquid crystals. Since liquid crystal-like phases are common among dyes and pharmaceuticals, this research could have potential applications down the line.