Polymer-modified Liquid Crystals

Polymer-modified liquid crystals are a promising class of materials with applications in display technologies and non-display uses. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of the topic, covering basic concepts, materials synthesis, and polymerization techniques, as well as properties and applications. Written by leaders in the field, it is essential reading for graduate students and researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2019
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Polymer-modified liquid crystals (PMLCs) are a captivating class of materials that seamlessly integrate soft matter physics, materials science, and engineering. They serve as a vibrant field of research, holding immense promise for advancements in display technologies and a wide range of non-display applications. This comprehensive book comprehensively covers all aspects of polymer-dispersed and polymer-stabilized liquid crystals, making it an indispensable resource for anyone engaged in this field. Expert accounts are provided, delving into fundamental concepts, materials synthesis and polymerization techniques, properties of diverse dispersed and stabilized phases, and critical overviews of their diverse applications. Written by esteemed leaders in the field, this book offers a state-of-the-art treatment of the topic, serving as a vital resource for graduate students, academic researchers, and industry professionals seeking an up-to-date guide to the field.

The field of polymer-modified liquid crystals (PMLCs) is a dynamic and rapidly evolving area that combines the principles of soft matter physics, materials science, and engineering. PMLCs are a class of materials that exhibit unique properties, such as self-assembly, responsiveness to external stimuli, and the ability to display complex patterns. These materials have found applications in various fields, including display technologies, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as non-display applications, such as smart materials, biomaterials, and coatings.

One of the key advantages of PMLCs is their ability to tailor their properties to suit specific applications. This can be achieved by modifying the chemical composition, molecular weight, and structure of the polymer molecules that constitute the liquid crystal phase. By carefully controlling these parameters, researchers can achieve a wide range of desired properties, such as improved stability, color purity, and contrast ratio. For example, PMLCs can be designed to have high transparency, allowing them to be used in transparent displays, such as touchscreens and windows. They can also be modified to have specific colors, such as red, blue, or green, making them suitable for color displays.

In addition to their ability to tailor properties, PMLCs also offer several other advantages. For example, they are highly flexible and can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in flexible displays and wearable devices. They are also resistant to environmental stresses, such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation, making them suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including outdoor displays and electronic devices.

One of the challenges facing the field of PMLCs is the development of efficient manufacturing processes that can produce high-quality materials at a low cost. This requires the development of new materials synthesis techniques, such as polymerization, copolymerization, and cross-linking, as well as new processing methods, such as spray drying, spin coating, and lithography.

Despite these challenges, the field of PMLCs is experiencing significant growth and development. Researchers are continually exploring new materials and technologies, and new applications are being discovered every year. For example, PMLCs are being used in the development of smart windows that can adjust their transparency based on the amount of sunlight that enters the room, and they are also being used in the development of wearable devices that can monitor the health and activity of the wearer.

In conclusion, polymer-modified liquid crystals are a fascinating class of materials that hold immense promise for advancements in display technologies and a wide range of non-display applications. Their unique properties, such as self-assembly, responsiveness to external stimuli, and the ability to display complex patterns, make them highly attractive for use in a wide range of industries. While there are still challenges to be overcome, the field of PMLCs is experiencing significant growth and development, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in the future of materials science and engineering.

Weight: 736g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782629825