PDLC Formation Methods
- Microencapsulation
LC is mixed with polymer dissolved in water; water is evaporated
-> “capsules” are produced and distributed through the bulk polymer
- non-uniform droplet size
- Phase Separation
Homogeneous mix of polymer and LC first produced;
LC droplets formed by separation of the two phases, by:
- polymerization-induced phase separation,
- thermally-induced phase separation, or
- solvent-induced phase separation
For detailed descriptions, see tutorial at
http://abalone.phys.cwru.edu/tutorial/enhanced/files/pdlc/prep/prep.htm