Nonaqueous liquid crystal emulsions

We study nonaqueous emulsions that are composed of liquid crystal and silic one oils. New surfactant molecules are specifically synthesized to stabiliz e these emulsions. The behavior of the present surfactants is reminiscent o f the behavior of classical surfactants used for aqueous emulsions. Dependi ng on their affinity for the liquid crystal or the silicone oils, they may either stabilize silicone in liquid crystal emulsions or stabilize liquid c rystal in silicone emulsions. Stabilization of nonaqueous liquid crystal em ulsions may be potentially useful as a new method for making electrooptical display instruments known as polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices. It also presents a way to impart specific optical properties to silicone mater ials traditionally used in various coating applications and in cosmetics.