Structure of cholesteric gels and their electrically induced light scattering and colour changes

Abstract

Networks with a helical structure containing large amounts of low mass liquid crystal molecules (gels) were produced by photopolymerization of a nematic diacrylate in the presence of low mass cholesteric mixtures. Prior to polymerization the systems selectively reflected a band of circularly polarized light. Upon polymerization, the gels obtained gave rise to two reflection peaks which were subsequently associated with polymer rich and polymer poor phases. At high network concentrations (>40 per cent w/w) one of the peaks did not appear, indicating that the behaviour of the molecules which were not chemically attached to the network was totally dominated by the network. From the gap required for the suppression of the rotation of the director, it was estimated that the molecules, which were not crosslinked, were confined in layers thinner than 85 nm. The gels were very transparent and did not give rise to excess light scattering as compared with the monomeric state. Upon application of an electric field, colour changes as well as light scattering were induced. These efffects were found to be highly dependent on the state of the polarization of the light as well as the kind of field applied. The response times were very short and they depended strongly on the structure of the network.