ELECTROOPTICAL EFFECT OF VARIED SCLCP LC BLEND SYSTEMS/

Varied blend systems containing Imine-based side chain liquid crystall ine polysiloxanes or ladderlike polysilsesquioxanes and corresponding low mass liquid crystal(LC) analogues were prepared by blending or cru de solution mixing. In later case, in situ crosslinking took place by hydrolysis and further condensation of remained Si-H groups in the mac romolecules. Electro-optic measurement results indicate rise time and optical contrast of the blend system are related to the polarity and a pplied voltage: the blend system containing a weak polar component exh ibits lower optical contrast and ''recovery'' effect, meanwhile, stron g polar blend system exhibits ''memory'' effect; short rise time and l ower driving voltage for the PNLC (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) sys tem containing low content of polymer are similar to that of ordinary low mass LC system. Some peculiar behaviour may be caused by the ''anc horing'' effect and elastic deformation of the cavity. The blend syste m containing ladderlike polysilsesquioxane exhibits sharp electro-opti c behaviour and distinct thresold voltage.