Network morphology of polymer stabilized liquid crystals

Abstract

Monomer solubility is identified as the primary factor determining network morphology in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal textures. Poorly soluble monomers form coarse structures composed of discrete, oblong grains, whereas soluble monomers yield smooth, continuous polymer networks. A crossover from smooth to grainy structure is observed as a function of monomer concentration. The grainy structure results from precipitation polymerization and the observed behavior is well described by the Flory–Huggins theory of polymer solubility.