Dynamics of meso-scale phase separation of liquid crystals/polymers with self-assembly orientation ordering induced by nonuniform-irradiated photopolymerization

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K05257
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biological physics/Chemical physics/Soft matter physics
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kakiuchida Hiroshi 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 構造材料研究部門, 主任研究員 (40343660)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 吉村 和記 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 材料・化学領域, 審議役 (50358347)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): KOBAYASHI Eiichi 佐賀県地域産業支援センター九州シンクロトロン光研究センター, 主任研究員 (80319376)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 高分子ネットワーク液晶 / 光重合誘起相分離 / 不均一露光 / ネマチック－等方相転移 / 配向秩序 / ホログラフィック素子 / 熱応答型調光窓 / スマートウィンドウ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have developed polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs) possessing various meso-scale phase separation structures of orientation-ordered liquid crystals (LCs) and polymers. These structures could not be fabricated by conventional uniform irradiations and were achieved through photopolymerization-induced phase separation (PPIPS) conducted by one-time nonuniform irradiation. The relationship of the size of aggregated LCs and the distribution of LC molecular orientation order with light scattering properties was studied using polarizing optical microscopy and scattering profile observation. Furthermore, the results were compared with optical simulations, and then the dynamics of orientation ordering of LC molecules in PNLC structures was discussed. These knowledges were applied to thermoresponsive PNLC light attenuators improved regarding the magnitude of solar transmittance change and enlargement of devices.

Free Research Field

光波制御材料