ELECTROOPTICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER-DISPERSED LIQUID-CRYSTAL MATERIALS

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials based on poly(polyet hyleneglycol methacrylate) are prepared by ultraviolet light induced p olymerization. Microphase structure of PDLC films is observed by scann ing electron microscopy. It reveals that reversed morphology type PDLC is obtained. The liquid crystal (LC) is a continuous phase and fills up the irregular space of the polymer network. A comprehensive investi gation is performed on the electro-optical properties of PDLC films. T he light scattering and transmittance properties of PDLC films are stu died. The effects of LC domain size, light wavelength, applied voltage , frequency, temperature, incident angle, and film thickness on electr o-optical properties of PDLC films are discussed. The results show tha t size and shape of LC domain seriously affect the electro-optical pro perties of PDLC film. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.