Liquid-crystal-anchoring transitions at surfaces created by polymerization-induced phase separation

Abstract

A surface anchoring transition of a nematic at polymer surfaces created by polymerization-induced phase separation is presented. This transition is unusual in that it occurs far from bulk nematic phase transitions and it is tunable across nearly the entire nematic temperature range by modification of the polymer side group. Anchoring behavior is qualitatively understood by considerating enthalpic and entropic contributions to surface energy. Interesting behavior of some polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films is explained, and observations provide a pathway to control properties.