Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLCs): A Mini Review

Abstract

Polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) have piqued the interest of researchers due to their exceptional property of electronically controlled switching mechanism. PDLC devices are sort of smart glazing/film that responds to electrical stimulus by changing its transparency. When liquid crystals are inactive, they are randomly organized, scattering light as it passes through the screen, giving the assembly its transparent, milky look. When a voltage is added, an electrical field forms between the two electrodes, causing the liquid crystals to align and enable light to flow through, thereby rendering the screen transparent. However, difficulties like as low contrast ratio, high operating voltage, and poor mechanical characteristics limit their practical uses. To address these issues, several procedures were implemented, including optimization of molecular structure of monomers and liquid crystals, addition of nanoparticles, and PDLC modification. This mini review will go through the current advancements in the method, preparations, and applications