Abstract
The fabrication and properties of polymer network–stabilized liquid crystals, formed by polymerization of a small amount of a bifunctional photoreactive monomer dissolved in a liquid-crystalline phase, are reviewed. The polymer network morphology is strongly related to preparation conditions such as monomer content, polymerization temperature, and ultraviolet (UV) curing conditions. The transfer of anisotropic liquid-crystalline order onto the network is discussed in detail. The electro-optical performance of network-stabilized nematics, cholesterics, and ferroelectric smectics is largely dependent on the morphology of the network, as will be demonstrated with an emphasis laid on polymer-stabilized cholesteric textures (PSCTs). A general correlation between polymerization conditions, network morphology, and electro-optical behavior will be outlined and aspects concerning applications discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
