Improved electro-optic response of polymer dispersed liquid crystals doped with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This work focuses on improving the electro-optic response of thiolene and acrylate based Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals by doping them with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). Results indicate a reduction in switching voltage which is attributed to the enhanced electric field experienced by the Liquid Crystal (LC) droplets trapped in the polymer matrix manifested by a decrease in resistivity and an increase in capacitance of the composite medium. Improved switching speeds is related to the reduction in size of the LC droplets since the MWNT act as physical barriers to the diffusing LC's preventing coalesce, confirmed with scanning electron microscopy imaging. PDLC's are doped with various concentrations of MWNT to determine an optimal doping level. An anomalous electro-optic behavior is noted at higher concentrations. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.