Reflective Band Memory Effect of Cholesteric Polymer Networks Based on Washout/Refilling Method
Dongdong Zhang, Weiting Shi, Hui Cao, Yinjie Chen, Limin Zhao, Ping Gan, Zhou Yang, Dong Wang, Wanli He
Abstract
Abstract The method of washout/refilling is applied to a polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal. Polymer networks are prepared with different concentrations of monomers under different polymerization conditions. By refilling different solvents or liquid crystals into the polymer network, reflective bands with different central wavelength and bandwidth are observed. It is confirmed that the polymer network can reproduce the initial reflection band of cholesteric phase, and corresponding explanations are given. When polymers have denser networks and smaller micropores, it shows better memory effects on the reflective band. These results can be potentially used in reflective displays, optical shielding films, diffraction gratings, sensors, and so on.