Fast switching anisotropic networks obtained by in situ photopolymerization of liquid crystal molecules

Abstract

Lightly cross-linked anisotropic networks with uniaxial and π/2 twisted orientations were produced by photopolymerization of monotropic mixtures containing liquid crystal mono and diacrylates. In this way the polymer backbone was immobilized and became decoupled from the motion of the mesogenic side groups. The networks showed very good reversibility and even after becoming isotropic, upon cooling, the initial orientation was recovered. In the same way, in the presence of electric fields the mesogenic groups could be reoriented in the direction of the electric field, reverting back to the initial orientation on removal of the field at a rate comparable with those observed in the monomeric state. Combining viscoelastic measurements with the dielectric behaviour of the monomeric liquid crystal and the anisotropic network, a comparison between the internal and bulk rotational viscosities was also made.