Effect of polymer concentration on morphology, dielectric and optical properties in a polymer-dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal

ABSTRACT

Photocurable polymer-dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal were prepared by polymerisation-induced phase separation (PIPS). Morphological behaviour was analysed by polarising optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FLC droplet size was found in the range of ~ 2–70 µm and decreases with an increase in polymer content. Relaxation frequency, dielectric strength and ac conductivity were evaluated as a function of polymer concentration and it was concluded that the polymer concentration has a significant effect on these parameters. The energy band gap () increases with polymer concentration and was found in the range of ~ 3.3 eV at higher concentration of polymer.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• PDFLCs
• dielectric relaxation
• droplet morphology
• band gap
• ac conductivity
• relaxation frequency

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are thankful to Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, for the financial assistance provided [project number SR/FT/CS-50/2011].