Phase separation and gelation of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

Polymerization-induced phase separation in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is studied by computer simulations in two dimensions. The domain morpholog y resulting from phase separation is investigated by solving the coupled se t of equations for the local volume fraction and the nematic order paramete r, taking into account the viscoelastic effects and gelation due to polymer ization. Comparing the morphology of phase separation by temperature quench , it is shown that the viscoelastic effects and gelation enable the polymer -rich phase to form a stable interconnected domain even when the polymer co mponent is minority. The experimental evidence consistent with this charact eristic feature is also given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.