Novel techniques of PDLC film preparation furnishing manifold properties in a single device

Three novel techniques of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film preparation have been proposed to obtain/induce systematically varying manifold properties in a single device. These three techniques were used to prepare ‘wedge-shaped’, ‘multi-channelled’ and ‘grating type’ PDLC films. Arrangement and configuration of liquid crystal (LC) microstructures inside these PDLC films, which were conveniently divided into different zones, have been investigated using a polarising optical microscope (POM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). POM images indicate a predominant bipolar structure in all zones of different types of PDLC films but with varying size and density. Further, the electro-optical (EO) properties of PDLC films for different zones have different morphological characteristics as indicated (observed) in POM and SEM images and were dependent on LC droplet shape, size and distribution. Also different zones show different absorbance/transmittance characteristics in the visible range. Thus, our study proposes a single device with manifold properties. Also, the desired properties can be obtained by selecting the suitable zone from the PDLC composite film.