Polymerization-induced phase separation of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

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 couple set of equations for the local volume fraction and the nematic order parameter , taking into account the viscoelastic effects and gelation due to polymeri zation. 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 com ponent is minority.