Reverse mode operation polymer dispersed liquid crystal with a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal

The development of electrically activated chromogenic materials is important for their potential applications in smart windows. Several previous works have reported on reverse mode operation polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) based on negative dielectric anisotropy liquid crystals. They have a transparent OFF state, which turns opaque after the application of a suitable external electric field. Nevertheless, these devices have some limitations such as the use of large amount of expensive liquid crystals with peculiar physical‐chemical properties. In addition, a good matching between the refractive index of liquid crystal and the polymer matrix one is required. The main result of this work is the achievement of reverse mode operation devices prepared with a positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal and characterized by a high OFF state transmittance obtained by the onset of high intensity built‐in DC electric fields in a direct mode operation PDLC, which allows the OFF state homeotropic alignment of liquid crystal directors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

An electrically light-transmittance-switchable film with a low driving voltage based on liquid crystal/polymer composites

ABSTRACT

As a typical class of electrically light-transmittance-switchable (ELTS) composites materials, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films have been widely used in displays, smart windows, light shutters, etc. However, the commercialised PDLC film still requires a comparatively high voltage to maintain its transparent state, leading to huge power consumption and even a potential safety risk. In this regard, we proposed a ‘heat followed UV’ stepwise polymerisation strategy for preparing a kind of ELTS film with a low driving voltage (~20.7 V) through constructing a coexistent system of polymer dispersed and polymer stabilised liquid crystal (PD&SLC). In this new PD&SLC system, vertically orientated polymer networks were formed within LC domains to induce the vertical alignment of LC, thereby reducing the driving voltage. Also, the as-made PD&SLC film exhibited good flexibility due to the high content of polymer. Moreover, the effects of the liquid crystalline polymerisable monomers content on the polymer morphologies as well as the electro-optical properties of the as-made PD&SLC films were elaborately investigated.     

Application of New Energy Thermochromic Composite Thermosensitive Materials of Smart Windows in Recent Years

Thermochromic smart windows technology can intelligently regulate indoor solar radiation by changing indoor light transmittance in response to thermal stimulation, thus reducing energy consumption of the building. In recent years, with the development of new energy-saving materials and the combination with practical technology, energy-saving smart windows technology has received more and more attention from scientific research. Based on the summary of thermochromic smart windows by Yi Long research groups, this review described the applications of thermal responsive organic materials in smart windows, including poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogels, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) hydrogels, ionic liquids and liquid crystals. Besides, the mechanism of various organic materials and the properties of functional materials were also introduced. Finally, opportunities and challenges relating to thermochromic smart windows and prospects for future development are discussed.     

Normally transparent smart window with haze enhancement via inhomogeneous alignment surface

Smart windows which switch between transparent and scattering states can be used not only as privacy window in buildings and cars, but also as information displays, and motorcycle helmet visors. Here, we have proposed a reverse mode polymer-stabilised liquid crystals (PSLCs) smart window based on inhomogeneous alignment surface, which greatly enhances the haze by 42% when compared to device without inhomogeneity treatment. A 100-cm² window that switches between the power-off clear state (~4% haze) and a power-on scattering state (64% haze at 15 V) in less than 3.5 ms is demonstrated. Since no high-temperature treatment (< 80°C) is involved in device fabrication, further development on plastic films is feasible.     

The fabrication of novel optical diffusers based on UV-cured polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) with different sizes of the LC droplets are prepared based on the ultraviolet (UV) light curable acrylate monomers/LCs composites to fabricate the optical diffuser films. To acquire light diffusers with high optical performance, the effects of the monomer structure and the UV light intensity on the micro-structure of the PDLC films are studied. Results show that the PDLC films could exhibit a strong light scattering at the premise of maintaining high transmittance in the visible region. As the LC droplets are spherically dispersed in the polymer networks, when the size of LC droplets is about 3.0 μm, the haze can reach 88.5% and the transmittance is nearly 90.0%, which can be used as a bottom diffuser film. While when the size of LC droplets is about 10.0 μm, the haze and transmittance are 39.2% and 90.2%, respectively; hence, it can be a good choice for a top diffuser film. With the advantages of simple preparation, roll-to-roll industrial production and tunable optical properties, it is supported that the films based on UV-cured PDLC films can be applied as outstanding optical diffuser films in the liquid crystal display industry.     

Flexible free-standing films morphology characterization: PVA/silica polymer network dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals films by sol-gel method

A novel flexible free-standing films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silica polymer network dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) have been prepared by the sol-gel process. In the hydrolysis of silicon alkoxides tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) processes, the silica having -OH with the -OH groups on PVA formed polymer networks with Si-O-C bonds by dehydration. The cholesteric liquid crystals were incorporated into the networks. The free-standing films were obtained by the spin-coating method. In order to improve the compatibility and microstructure of the cholesteric liquid crystals with PVA/silica polymer networks, the amphiphilic compound of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA) was introduced into the forming film solutions. Effects of the different ratios of raw materials on the structure of films were investigated. The microscopic morphology of free-standing films and the uniform dispersion of CLCs in the films have been characterized by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and atomic force microscope (AFM). The free-standing films exhibiting excellent CLC droplets dispersion, mechanical stability, and good flexibility could be useful for flexible displays, switchable optical elements and smart windows.     

Photochromic reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Control of light intensity and colour are two of the major features required in the realization of smart windows. We designed a bi-functional polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film in order to satisfy such requirements, i.e. it is able both to modulate the optical transmission, if an external electric field is applied, and to change colour if exposed to sunlight. A monomer/liquid crystal mixture was doped with a small amount of photochromic material and homeotropically aligned by means of rough surfaces. A transparent and pale pink coloured film was achieved after photopolymerization. Such a film changes colour upon exposure for some seconds to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in a persistent but reversible manner. In addition, the film appears transparent without the application of an electric field (OFF state) and becomes opaque on application of a driving voltage of about 75 V (ON state), and thus the film operates in reverse mode with respect to conventional PDLCs.     

Photochromic reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Control of light intensity and colour are two of the major features required in the realization of smart windows. We designed a bi‐functional polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film in order to satisfy such requirements, i.e. it is able both to modulate the optical transmission, if an external electric field is applied, and to change colour if exposed to sunlight. A monomer/liquid crystal mixture was doped with a small amount of photochromic material and homeotropically aligned by means of rough surfaces. A transparent and pale pink coloured film was achieved after photopolymerization. Such a film changes colour upon exposure for some seconds to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in a persistent but reversible manner. In addition, the film appears transparent without the application of an electric field (OFF state) and becomes opaque on application of a driving voltage of about 75?V (ON state), and thus the film operates in reverse mode with respect to conventional PDLCs.     

Reduced OFF-axis haze in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) are composite materials formed by micron-sized droplets of liquid crystals (LCs) dispersed in a polymer matrix, which can be turned from an opaque state to a transparent one by application of a suitable electric field. PDLCs have been proposed in applications related to the control of light transmittance on large surfaces (light shutters, displays, rear mirrors). Despite several advantages, PDLCs’ main drawback is haze, i.e. the fast decay of transmission at large viewing angles. In this paper, a method for achieving highly transparent PDLC devices over a wide range of viewing angles is proposed. The method is based on the use of PDLCs with tilted elongated LC droplets and driven by opportune electric fields, which are experimentally calculated and able to ensure an almost constant value for OFF-axis transmittance.     

Copolymerizable initiator for improved polymer dispersed liquid crystal films

The problems of photoinitiator contamination are addressed for the liquid crystal phase in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films formed by photopolymerization induced phase separation of liquid crystal from monomer solutions. Initiator contamination lowers the clearing point of the liquid crystal phase, and decreases the photostability and resistivity of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal. These problems are minimized by replacing the conventional photoinitiators with copolymerizable initiators which become incorporated in the polymer phase as it separates. Copolymerizable photoinitiators are studied and used to form polymer dispersed liquid crystals with higher clearing point liquid crystal phases, higher resistivity, and better photostability than polymer dispersed liquid crystals formed with conventional photoinitiators. These improvements provide very significant advantages for many polymer dispersed liquid crystal applications.     

Copolymerizable initiator for improved polymer dispersed liquid crystal films

Abstract

The problems of photoinitiator contamination are addressed for the liquid crystal phase in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films formed by photopolymerization induced phase separation of liquid crystal from monomer solutions. Initiator contamination lowers the clearing point of the liquid crystal phase, and decreases the photostability and resistivity of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal. These problems are minimized by replacing the conventional photoinitiators with copolymerizable initiators which become incorporated in the polymer phase as it separates. Copolymerizable photoinitiators are studied and used to form polymer dispersed liquid crystals with higher clearing point liquid crystal phases, higher resistivity, and better photostability than polymer dispersed liquid crystals formed with conventional photoinitiators. These improvements provide very significant advantages for many polymer dispersed liquid crystal applications.     

Broadband Reflection in Polymer‐Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystals via Thiol–Acrylate Chemistry

Thiols are prone to react with a multitude of various functional groups in high yields, which has been widely used for surface‐ and particle‐patterning, bioorganic synthesis, polymer modification, imprint nanolithography, the fabrication of optical components, hydrogel synthesis, and the curing of hard protective coatings. In this work, a chiral thiol with a high helical twisting power was synthesized through a novel synthetic route with high selectivity, yield, and cost‐effectiveness. It was then used to fabricate a liquid‐crystal composite film with ultra‐wide broadband reflection via thiol click chemistry. Cholesteric liquid‐crystal materials with broadband reflection have many potential applications for broadband polarizers, polarizer‐free displays, organic optical data storage media, smart switchable reflective windows, and continuous waveband laser protection.     

Effects of thiol-ene click reaction on morphology and electro-optical properties of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanostructure-based polymer dispersed liquid crystal film

Polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) have lit a flash of interest due to the distinctive property of electrically controlled switching. However, too high-driving voltage associated with porous polymer networks always limit their wider range of applications. Herein, we reported a PDLC system containing LCs, 2,2′-(Ethylenedioxy)diethanethiol (DET) with thiol groups, cage-like nanostructure acrylic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (KH570-POSS) and KH570-SiO₂ nanoparticle modified by acrylic groups. The cage-like KH570-POSS microstructure was injected to the polymer matrix when KH570-POSS reacted with DET via thiol-ene click reaction. The morphological results demonstrated that the droplet size increased with the higher content of DET due to the decrease of the crosslink between the acrylic groups in KH570-POSS, which results in a less dense of polymer network and thus make the LC droplets easier to be driven in the electric filed. Then, a silica-based nanoparticle KH570-SiO₂ modified by acrylic groups was introduced into the system. The results indicated that KH570-SiO₂ could replace partial KH570-POSS to form the polymer network via thiol-ene click reaction, which increased the compatible ability of SiO₂ nanoparticles in the as-made film. The contrast ratio was increased to 165 when there was nearly 5 wt% content of KH570-SiO₂. Besides, the driving voltage was reduced by almost 60% and the sample could be fully driven by 30 V which is lower than the safe voltage (36 V). This study opens a route for the preparation of commercial PDLC films by thiol-ene click reaction, enabling the creation of low-voltage-driven smart windows.     

Electrorheological response of polyaniline and its hybrids

One of the remarkable applications of conducting polymers is as an electrorheological (ER) fluid which is a smart suspension of polarisable particles dispersed in an insulating liquid with the capacity to effect a phase transition from a liquid-like to a solid-like state. Polyaniline (PANI) and its hybrids with inorganics or other polymers are active candidates for ER materials due to their various advantages, e.g., easy synthesis, controllable conductivity, and less friction than pure inorganics. In this short review, we review recent progress in the synthesis of semi-conducting PANI and its hybrids with diverse morphologies and their ER performance measured by a rotational rheometer using the applied electric field strength. The dielectric properties of these ER fluids, as an important analytical method for their ER performance, are also discussed.     

Reverse-mode polymer dispersed liquid crystal films prepared by patterned polymer walls

This article proposes a methodology to prepare polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films working in the reverse-mode operation, where the ion-doped nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) with negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε) were locked by polymer walls. On-state and off-state of films were controlled by an electric field. In the absence of an electric field, it appears to be transparent. In the field, the homogeneous alignment NLCs form dynamic scattering, giving rise to opaque. The effect of the cylindrical holes with different diameters of photo masks and liquid crystal Δε on the electro-optical properties and transmittance wavelength range of 400–3000 nm light of samples were investigated. It was found that it exhibited very good electro-optical characteristics, high contrast ratio and excellent infrared energy-efficient of films used as switchable windows.     

聚合物分散液晶膜

聚合物分散液晶膜是将液晶和聚合物结合,得到的一种综合性能优异的膜材料,液晶分子赋予了聚合物分散液晶膜显著的电光特性,使其受到了广泛的研究,并有着广阔的应用前景。而聚合物作为成膜材料,起着辅助但是重要的作用,其结构和固化过程是影响聚合物分散液晶膜电光特性的重要因素。本文简要综述了聚合物分散液晶膜的制备方法、电光特性的影响因素及研究手段。     

Broadband reflective cholesteric liquid crystalline gels: volume distribution of reflection properties and polymer network in relation with the geometry of the cell photopolymerization

The ultraviolet (UV) light‐absorbing properties of the liquid crystal (LC) constituent during the photo‐induced elaboration of a cholesteric LC (CLC) gel may induce the broadening of the reflection bandwidth of the material, a situation that is promoted by asymmetrical irradiation conditions (only one side of the cell is irradiated). The in situ structure of the polymer network, included in the LC, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and the temperature dependence of the reflection properties examined; it is shown that the network has a structure gradient that is at the origin of the broadening phenomenon. The smallest reflection wavelength is related to the cell side from which the UV light beam came in. A priori, this situation was unexpected since it is shown that this part of the gel is enriched with nematic (infinite‐pitch CLC) network‐forming material. The result is discussed in relation to the variation of the reflection band characteristics with polymer concentration, which offers the opportunity for indirect access to the volume distribution of the cholesteric periodicities. For applications, broadband reflective cholesteric gels may be of interest for reflective polarizer‐free displays or for the light management with smart electrically‐switchable reflective windows.     

Broadband reflective cholesteric liquid crystalline gels: volume distribution of reflection properties and polymer network in relation with the geometry of the cell photopolymerization

The ultraviolet (UV) light-absorbing properties of the liquid crystal (LC) constituent during the photo-induced elaboration of a cholesteric LC (CLC) gel may induce the broadening of the reflection bandwidth of the material, a situation that is promoted by asymmetrical irradiation conditions (only one side of the cell is irradiated). The in situ structure of the polymer network, included in the LC, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and the temperature dependence of the reflection properties examined; it is shown that the network has a structure gradient that is at the origin of the broadening phenomenon. The smallest reflection wavelength is related to the cell side from which the UV light beam came in. A priori, this situation was unexpected since it is shown that this part of the gel is enriched with nematic (infinite-pitch CLC) network-forming material. The result is discussed in relation to the variation of the reflection band characteristics with polymer concentration, which offers the opportunity for indirect access to the volume distribution of the cholesteric periodicities. For applications, broadband reflective cholesteric gels may be of interest for reflective polarizer-free displays or for the light management with smart electrically-switchable reflective windows.     

粘度比对刚性链高分子与柔性链高分子共混物微结构的影响

粘度比对刚性链高分子与柔性链高分子共混物微结构的影响何嘉松,卜文胜,张洪志,许向青（中国科学院化学研究所,北京,１０００８０）（化工部北京化工研究院,北京,１０００１３）关键词高分子共混物,热致液晶聚合物,聚合物加工影响柔性链高分子与柔性链高分子共混...     

Temperature dependence of electro-optical characteristics of polymer dispersed liquid crystal films

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films consist of microdroplets of a liquid crystal dispersed in a polymer matrix. Their applications are based on the electrically controllable light scattering properties of the liquid crystal droplets. The effects of temperature on the electro-optical properties of PDLC films have been rarely investigated. In this work, we studied the light transmission on varying the temperature and frequency. It was observed that the transmission at a fixed voltage decreased with increasing temperature above 43°C, independent of frequency. We examined possible origins of this unusual dependence of the transmission on the temperature. It was concluded that conductivity effects due to free ions newly created at high temperatures could be responsible for the unusual behaviour observed.