A Light Control Film Composed of Liquid Crystal Droplets Dispersed in an Epoxy Matrix

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes light control films consisting of submicron liquid crystal droplets dispersed in epoxy matrices. These films, which can respond optically to both applied electric fields and temperature changes, are potentially useful for displays and light shutters. The optical performance of these films depends on a variety of structural, electrooptical and thermal properties. This paper describes scanning electron microscope studies of film structure, measurements of voltage dependent film transmittance, contrast ratio and light scattering, and calorimetric studies of the cure process which governs microdroplet formation in the films.