We have recently reported on dynamic electro-optic (EO) responses of the reflection band of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) including bandwidth broadening, switching, red-shifting tuning, and blue-shifting tuning. These dynamic EO responses are explained by an electromechanical displacement mechanism leading to the deformation of the template polymer network by the application of direct current (DC) field. Deformation of the polymer stabilizing network affecting EO responses in PSCLCs is controlled by two factors: viscoelastic properties of polymer networks and ion densities trapped in the polymer networks during fast photopolymeriztion process. Here, we report our current understanding of the influence of polymer network development prepared by in-situ photopolymerization on the resulting electro-optic response of these PSCLCs. This understanding was developed through a systematic structure-property examination focused on the influence of the photopolymerization conditions (initiator concentration, light intensity, curing time), ion densities in the CLC mixtures as well as the monomer formulation/composition. The electro-optic control of the reflection in these CLCs and PSCLCs could be potentially used in a variety of display technologies and smart windows.

Influence of photopolymerized polymer network development on the electro-optic responses of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals

2019 Spring National Meeting

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