Interfacial Interaction between Nematic Liquid Crystal and Polymer in the Composite Film Consisting of Nematic Liquid Crystal and Connected Polymer Microspheres

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Abstract
Thin films composed of nematic liquid crystals in polymer matrices show a reversible optical response from an opaque state to a clear state under the action of an appropriate electric field which aligns the nematic director. Activating voltages of the films are strongly affected by the interfacial interaction between the liquid crystal and polymer. An investigation was performed on films consisting of nematic liquid crystal, micrometer-size polymer microspheres and polymer binders. The microspheres are covered with a thin layer of binders and connected by it. The voids between the microspheres are filled by the liquid crystal. These films were produced using various binders formed from two ingredients. The relationship between the composition of binders and electrooptical properties of films was studied.