Evolution of network structure in polymer-stabilised liquid crystals

Experiments were performed to investigate the evolution of structure and mo rphology of the network in polymer-stabilised liquid crystals. In situ opti cal microscopy revealed that the morphology was significantly altered by ex traction of the LC host, while scanning electron microscopy showed that the network morphology was also dependent on the polymerisation conditions and closely related to the depletion of monomer, as monitored by high performa nce liquid chromatography. Transmission electron microscopy allowed observa tion of internal structure, resolving microstructure on the order of 0.1 mu m.