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Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems
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Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Physics and Theory".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 19839

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tibor Toth-Katona

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, H-1525 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: soft matter; self-assembly; liquid crystals; liquid crystal colloids; liquid crystal—polymer interface; liquid crystal polymers and elastomers
Dr. Istvan Janossy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, H-1525 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: liquid crystals; elastic and field-induced phenomena; optical reorientation in nematics; photo-isomerization; interactions at polymer—liquid crystal interfaces; optical bistability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this special issue is to report and highlight recent advances in research of complex systems involving liquid crystals (LCs) and polymers. These complex systems include (but are not limited) to the LC—polymer interfaces, LC polymers (LCPs), LC elastomers (LCEs) and polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs).

The proper alignment (and controllability) of the molecules at the boundaries is the key factor for correct operation of all devices based on LCs. Therefore, understanding the interactions of LCs with the bounding substrates (primarily covered with a polymer layer) is an important research area. Recent problems involve aligning LCs that are applicable in diverse novel fields of LC research, such as micro-, nano-, and biotechnology, medicine, polymer and colloid science, photonics, etc.

LCPs and LCEs combine the elastic properties of the (crosslinked) polymers with the self-organization and anisotropic properties of LCs. LCPs can be extremely unreactive, inert and flame retardant, with exceptional mechanical properties (e.g., Kevlar, Vectran). LCEs are promising candidates for manufacturing artificial muscles, or microrobots due to their actuation properties. 

From PDLCs smart films can be produced that change their transparency by the application of external (primarily electric) field.  Using flexible bounding substrates instead of glass plates, one can obtain foldable, rewritable electronic paper. 

Dr. Tibor Toth-Katona
Dr. Istvan Janossy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • liquid crystals (LCs)
  • liquid crystal—polymer interface
  • liquid crystal polymers (LCPs)
  • liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs)
  • polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs)

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 3102 KiB  
Communication
Chiroptical Characteristics of Nanosegregated Phases in Binary Mixture Consisting of Achiral Bent-Core Molecule and Bent-Core Base Main-Chain Polymer
by Ju-Yong Kim, Jae-Jin Lee and Suk-Won Choi
Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142823 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1311
Abstract
In this paper, a binary mixture system consisting of an achiral bent-core molecule and a bent-core base main-chain polymer is described. The mixture exhibits an intriguing nanosegregated phase generated by the phase separation of the helical nanofilament B4 phase (originating from the bent-core [...] Read more.
In this paper, a binary mixture system consisting of an achiral bent-core molecule and a bent-core base main-chain polymer is described. The mixture exhibits an intriguing nanosegregated phase generated by the phase separation of the helical nanofilament B4 phase (originating from the bent-core molecule) and the dark conglomerate phase (originating from the bent-core base main-chain polymer). This nanosegregated phase was identified using polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analysis. In this nanosegregated phase, the enantiomeric domains grew to a few millimeters and a giant circular dichroism was observed. The structural chirality of the helical nanofilament B4 phase affected the conformation of the bent-core base main-chain polymer embedded within the helical nanofilament networks of bent-core molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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11 pages, 3491 KiB  
Article
Polarization-Dependent Gratings Based on Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Cells with In-Plane Switching Electrodes
by Chia-Yi Huang and Shih-Hung Lin
Polymers 2022, 14(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14020297 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2193
Abstract
A diffraction grating of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) with polarization-selective characteristics is investigated. Electrically controllable gratings are produced using In-Plane Switching (IPS) electrodes. Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with a stripe pattern are used to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the [...] Read more.
A diffraction grating of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) with polarization-selective characteristics is investigated. Electrically controllable gratings are produced using In-Plane Switching (IPS) electrodes. Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with a stripe pattern are used to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the substrate on a single glass substrate. It is known from the experimental results that the number of diffraction orders can be controlled by applied voltage. Except for the zeroth order, the consistently highest intensity can be obtained for every other order of diffraction, and the polarization direction of the diffraction is perpendicular to the direction of the electrode stripes. The polarization direction of the zeroth order diffraction is parallel to the direction of the electrode stripes. Therefore, it can be used as a filter for light polarization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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12 pages, 869 KiB  
Communication
Photo-Orientation of Liquid Crystals on Azo Dye-Containing Polymers
by István Jánossy and Tibor Tóth-Katona
Polymers 2022, 14(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010159 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
In this communication, we summarise our results related to light-induced orientational phenomena at liquid crystal–polymer interfaces. We investigated photoalignment for various nematics at the interface with the photosensitive polymer layer polymethyl methacrilate functionalised with azo dye Disperse Red 1. It was found that [...] Read more.
In this communication, we summarise our results related to light-induced orientational phenomena at liquid crystal–polymer interfaces. We investigated photoalignment for various nematics at the interface with the photosensitive polymer layer polymethyl methacrilate functionalised with azo dye Disperse Red 1. It was found that the efficiency of photoalignment exhibits marked differences depending on the structure of the rigid core of the liquid crystal molecules. It was demonstrated that the photo-orientation process is also significantly affected by the type of mesophase in which irradiation is carried out. The observations highlight the importance of the mutual influence of the polymer and the liquid crystal in light-induced processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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7 pages, 2251 KiB  
Communication
Study of the Relationship between Haze Performance and Fractal Dimension in Micro-Sized Segregated Liquid Crystals Embedded in a Polymer Matrix Consisting of a Thiol-ene Prepolymer and a Multi-Functional Acrylate
by Ju-Yong Kim and Suk-Won Choi
Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4421; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244421 - 16 Dec 2021
Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Micro-sized segregated liquid crystals (MSLCs) surrounded by a polymer medium can be used for haze film applications. When incident light passes through the MSLC film, the microsized particles act as light scattering centers. In this study, the results of the addition of a [...] Read more.
Micro-sized segregated liquid crystals (MSLCs) surrounded by a polymer medium can be used for haze film applications. When incident light passes through the MSLC film, the microsized particles act as light scattering centers. In this study, the results of the addition of a multi-functional acrylate to a commercial thiol-ene prepolymer system, as well as the morphology of (LC) droplets, fractal dimension (D), and the optical haze performance of the micro-sized segregated LCs formed by UV-initiated photopolymerization, are reported. With increasing fraction of the multi-functional acrylate within the host polymer matrix, the small scattering centers (LC droplets) also increase, giving rise to a large optical haze in the prepared film. The optical haze can be characterized by the D of the associated LC droplet morphology in the films. The optical haze and D exhibit a strong correlation; thus, a qualitative prediction of the optical haze is possible via geometric fractal analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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13 pages, 2744 KiB  
Article
Nematic Structures under Conical Anchoring at Various Director Tilt Angles Specified by Polymethacrylate Compositions
by Denis A. Kostikov, Mikhail N. Krakhalev, Oxana O. Prishchepa and Victor Ya. Zyryanov
Polymers 2021, 13(17), 2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172993 - 3 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2424
Abstract
Dependence of the director tilt angle of nematic liquid crystal (LC) under conical anchoring from the two-component polymer mixture composition has been studied. We varied the ratio of poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA), which specifies a conical anchoring for the nematic liquid crystal LN-396, and [...] Read more.
Dependence of the director tilt angle of nematic liquid crystal (LC) under conical anchoring from the two-component polymer mixture composition has been studied. We varied the ratio of poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA), which specifies a conical anchoring for the nematic liquid crystal LN-396, and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) assigning a tangential alignment for the same nematic. An oblique incidence light technique to determine a tilt angle has been used. It has been shown that the tilt angle increases from 0∘ to 47.7∘ when PiBMA:PMMA ratio changes in the range 30:70 to 100:0. The specific optical textures viewed under the polarizing microscope and proper orientational structures have been considered for various compositions of the polymer films. An electric field action on the formed orientational structures has been investigated. The obtained results are promising for the application in various electro-optical LC devices with a conical anchoring in which the director tilt angle is a crucial parameter: a controlled diffraction gratings, an electrically operated achromatic rotators of linear light polarization, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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9 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Organic Solvent Sensors Using Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Films with a Pillar Pattern
by Chia-Yi Huang and Shih-Hung Lin
Polymers 2021, 13(17), 2906; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172906 - 29 Aug 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
An organic solvent sensor of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) film is fabricated by a combination of tri-functional monomers and LCs. When the patterned PDLC film comes into contact with the organic solvent, the organic solvent will penetrate into the film to induce the [...] Read more.
An organic solvent sensor of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) film is fabricated by a combination of tri-functional monomers and LCs. When the patterned PDLC film comes into contact with the organic solvent, the organic solvent will penetrate into the film to induce the orientation of the liquid crystals, which will change from an ordered to a disordered state, which causes the PDLC film to scatter incident light. The experiment used acetone and ethanol as the organic solvents of interest. The results show that the patterned PDLC film has a stronger response to acetone than to ethanol. Based on the difference in the intensity of light scattering and the response time of the patterned PDLC film to different organic solvents, the results can be used to identify and recognize different types of organic solvents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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17 pages, 16488 KiB  
Article
Electrically Tuneable Optical Diffraction Gratings Based on a Polymer Scaffold Filled with a Nematic Liquid Crystal
by Dejan Bošnjaković, Mathias Fleisch, Xinzheng Zhang and Irena Drevenšek-Olenik
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2292; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142292 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2917
Abstract
We present an experimental and theoretical investigation of the optical diffractive properties of electrically tuneable optical transmission gratings assembled as stacks of periodic slices from a conventional nematic liquid crystal (E7) and a standard photoresist polymer (SU-8). The external electric field causes a [...] Read more.
We present an experimental and theoretical investigation of the optical diffractive properties of electrically tuneable optical transmission gratings assembled as stacks of periodic slices from a conventional nematic liquid crystal (E7) and a standard photoresist polymer (SU-8). The external electric field causes a twist-type reorientation of the LC molecules toward a perpendicular direction with respect to initial orientation. The associated field-induced modification of the director field is determined numerically and analytically by minimization of the Landau–de Gennes free energy. The optical diffraction properties of the associated periodically modulated structure are calculated numerically on the basis of rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). A comparison of experimental and theoretical results suggests that polymer slices provoke planar surface anchoring of the LC molecules with the inhomogeneous surface anchoring energy varying in the range 5–20 μJ/m2. The investigated structures provide a versatile approach to fabricating LC-polymer-based electrically tuneable diffractive optical elements (DOEs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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Review

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16 pages, 2966 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Liquid Crystal Cilia and Flagella
by Roel J. H. van Raak and Dirk J. Broer
Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071384 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3210
Abstract
Cilia and flagella are a vital part of many organisms. Protozoa such as paramecia rely on the collective and coordinated beating of tubular cilia or flagella for their transport, while mammals depend on the ciliated linings of their bronchia and female reproductive tracts [...] Read more.
Cilia and flagella are a vital part of many organisms. Protozoa such as paramecia rely on the collective and coordinated beating of tubular cilia or flagella for their transport, while mammals depend on the ciliated linings of their bronchia and female reproductive tracts for the continuity of breathing and reproduction, respectively. Over the years, man has attempted to mimic these natural cilia using synthetic materials such as elastomers doped with magnetic particles or light responsive liquid crystal networks. In this review, we will focus on the progress that has been made in mimicking natural cilia and flagella using liquid crystal polymers. We will discuss the progress that has been made in mimicking natural cilia and flagella with liquid crystal polymers using techniques such as fibre drawing, additive manufacturing, or replica moulding, where we will put additional focus on the emergence of asymmetrical and out-of-plane motions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer - Liquid Crystal Complex Systems)
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