Liquid crystals stabilized by polymer networks

Abstract

This review is devoted to the characteristics of a new class of polymer composites, dispersions of chemical polymer networks in LCs. Photopolymerization of various bifunctional monomers in the medium of LCs leads to the formation of a polymer network that stabilizes the structure of crystals. Methods for the preparation of the above composites, their structure, morphology, and optical characteristic are reviewed, and areas of practical application of such materials are described.