The influence of crosslinking agents on the morphology and electro‐optical performances of PDLC films

The morphology of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) has a major impact on its electro-optic properties. The PDLC was prepared by photochemical polymerization from UV-curable monomers/crosslinking agent/initiator/LC mixture. The influences of crosslinking agents on the PDLC system had been studied. The microstructures of the PDLC were strongly influenced by the insertion of polyethylene glycol (600) diacrylate (PEGDA 600) crosslinker, relatively long and flexible branch, and diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) crosslinker along the network bone. The relative weight ratio of crosslinking agents and polymerization temperature had a significant effect on the LC domain size, and which resulted in influencing the electro-optic properties of PDLC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

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