Preliminary results on UV and high temperature exposure effects on the electro-optical properties of cellulose derivatives based PDLC type cells

In this work we have studied, by light transmission, the effects of either UV or high temperature exposure on the electro-optical properties of cellul ose derivatives based PDLC type cells prepared from hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and HPC cross-linked with 1,4-diisocyanatobutane (BDI) (7,0 % w/w). T he time evolution of the electro-optical properties of different cells, som e under UV exposure, and others under high temperature (65 degreesC), was r ecorded for times up to 7 days. Two sets of cells were analysed, one with e lectric field off during exposure, the other with electric field on. The re sults obtained show that no significant changes of the electro-optical prop erties of the cells occurred under the studied conditions, meaning that the se systems are very stable and so good candidates for industrial applicatio ns.