A Novel Alignment Layer for Bistable Surface by Using Electrospun PVCi Microfibers

Abstract

We propose a novel forming method for the bistable surface for the nematic LC with the poly (vinyl cinnamate) (PVCi) fibers, the fibers were spun by using the ES and were carried out the photo-alignment treatment by the UV irradiation. In this method, each stable state in the bistable states for the LC orientation might be realized. Because lots of fibers were stacked not only the substrate surface but also in the bulk of the LC cell, and then the anchoring force for the LC alignment was affected in three dimensions.

Keywords:

• LC alignment
• electro-spinning
• bistable surface
• PVCi fiber

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Merck for supplying the LC materials. We also thank Nissan Chemical Industries for supplying the polyimide materials.