Photopolymerization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals in microgravity

Joe B. Whitehead Jr.; M. M. Chandler

doi:10.1117/12.277713

7 July 1997 Photopolymerization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals in microgravity

Joe B. Whitehead Jr., M. M. Chandler

Proceedings Volume 3123, Materials Research in Low Gravity; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277713
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials are produced in a microgravity environment to investigate the gravitational influence on the phase separated microstructure. PDLC materials contain a dispersion of micron-sized liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a solid polymer. The dispersion is achieved by one of several phase separation methods. The phase separated microstructure determines the operating parameters of PDLCs; therefore, a fundamental understanding of phase separation processes is critically important. Preparation of PDLC materials in a microgravity environment is advantageous for studying the underlying processes of phase separation that are masked in our terrestrial environment. We investigate the effect of gravity on the microstructure of PDLC materials using photo-polymerizable materials aboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft.

Citation Download Citation

Joe B. Whitehead Jr. and M. M. Chandler "Photopolymerization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals in microgravity", Proc. SPIE 3123, Materials Research in Low Gravity, (7 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277713

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