Contrasting roles of layered structures in the molecular assembly of liquid crystal matrices on the viscoelastic properties of microparticle/liquid crystal composite gels leading to rigidification and destabilization

► Physical gels of particle/liquid-crystal (LC) composites were prepared. ► Effects of LC phases on the viscoelastic properties of composite gels were studied. ► Storage and loss moduli increased due to the layered molecular assembly in matrices. ► Mechanical properties of the gels recovered after mechanical breakdown. ► Recovery of the gel state was significantly affected by the liquid crystal phases.