Polyurethane acrylate-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal dispersions

Polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) have been fabricated based on various structures of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) as well as conventional acrylate polymer, namely poly(1,6-hexanediol diacrylate). For PUA stabilized films, the transmittance spectra of cured films were essentially identical to those of uncured films, with no 'dead' reaction; whereas, using acrylate polymer; reflection greatly decreased upon curing and showed significant 'dead' reaction after the cessations of irradiation. The structure of PUA also had significant effects on the electro-optic performance, and these effects are interpreted in terms of elasticity and interfacial interaction between the polymer and LC.