Multi-field driven thermochromic films and preparation of multi-color patterns

ABSTRACT

In this paper, multi-field driven thermochromic films (TCF) were successfully prepared firstly. The upper layer is polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film prepared by polymerisation-induced phase separation (PIPS), and the lower layer is thermochromic liquid crystal microcapsule film prepared by centrifugal spin-coating method. The effects of diluent content, liquid crystal content and spin coating speed on the electro-optical properties and morphology of the thermochromic films were investigated by three sets of experiments secondly. Finally, multi-field driven multi-colour patterns were successfully prepared by film formation on conductive glass and flexible conductive films. Thermal ageing tests proved that the thermochromic films possess better service life, which provides a possibility for the wide application of liquid crystal films.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• thermochromic films
• polymer-dispersed liquid crystal
• thermochromic liquid crystal microcapsule
• multi-field driven
• multi-colour patterns

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52173263, 21203135), Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China (Program No.2021JM-531, No.2021GY-205), Scientific research fund for high-level talents of Xijing University (No.XJ21B04 and No.XJ21B02), the Youth Innovation Team of Shaanxi Universities, the Science and Technology Projects of Suzhou City (SYG202025).