Preparation and characterization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) with different cation exchange capacity (CEC) clays Original Research Article

This work describes the morphology and electro-optical properties of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). These composites consist of the nematic liquid crystal E7, filled with different types of inorganic nanoparticles in Norland optical adhesive (NOA65) polymer matrices. Natural clays CL120 (trade name: CN-C34 with higher cation exchange capacity CEC) and CL42 (trade name: PK802 with lower CEC) are used as various inorganic nanofillers. Wide angle X-ray diffraction was exploited to examine the dispersion of the inorganic nanoparticles in PDLCs. The morphology of liquid crystal droplets in PDLCs is investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) as well. Transmittance vs. applied voltage is measured to study the electro-optical properties and the response times of the PDLCs. It is suggested that doping with inorganic nanoparticles in PDLCs effectively reduces the driving voltage and improves the electro-optical characteristics.