Effect of Electrospinning Network Instead of Polymer Network on the Properties of PDLCs

Molecules. 2023 Apr 11;28(8):3372. doi: 10.3390/molecules28083372.

Abstract

In this study, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) membranes were prepared by combining prepolymer, liquid crystal, and nanofiber mesh membranes under UV irradiation. EM, POM, and electro-optic curves were then used to examine the modified polymer network structure and the electro-optical properties of these samples. As a result, the PDLCs with a specific amount of reticular nanofiber films had considerably improved electro-optical characteristics and antiaging capabilities. The advancement of PDLC incorporated with reticulated nanofiber films, which exhibited a faster response time and superior electro-optical properties, would greatly enhance the technological application prospects of PDLC-based smart windows, displays, power storage, and flexible gadgets.

Keywords: electro-optical properties; electrostatic spinning; nanofiber doping; polymer-dispersed liquid crystals.