Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal films formed by e-beam cure

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films are useful in electro-optic applications because they can be switched electrically between opaque and transparent states. We have prepared PDLC films using electron-beam radiation (e-beam cure). The resulting films exhibit promising mechanical, electro-optic, and thermal response. Compared with the ultraviolet cure process, e-beam cure has the advantage of not requiring photoinitiators. In addition, e-beam cure is characterized by a fast cure rate. The e-beam cure method may, therefore, be a good candidate for production of PDLC ifims.