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One-step construction of thermally/electrically dual-responsive liquid crystal composites: An effective strategy via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization-induced self-assembly (RAFT-PISA)
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DOI：10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2026.106790.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) is widely employed in flexible electronics. However, their conventional microstructures, typically adjusted through curing temperature, polymerization rate and composition, often possess irregular morphologies. This results in high driving voltages and slow thermal responses, adversely affecting device performance and limiting broader application. Herein, liquid crystal-block copolymer (LC-BCP) microcapsules (E7@PPEGMA-b-PMMA) based on reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is synthesized in a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) system. These microcapsules exhibit a large-scale core-shell structure, with a particle size of 10 mu m. Through the interaction between disperse red-1 (DR-1) and liquid crystal molecules, the phase transition temperature of the LC-BCP system is reduced from 59.6 to 55.6 degrees C, while the liquid crystal encapsulation capacity decreases from 4.2 to 26.8%. The flexible device based on E7@PPEGMA-b-PMMA composite film exhibits dual-mode Thermo-/electrochromic properties. Its transparency can be reversibly switched by thermal stimulation at 60 degrees C or electrical activation at 60 V. Even at a thickness of similar to 30 mu m, the film retains over 90% transmittance and a faster response (similar to 13 s) than conventional PDLCs. However, the relatively high operating voltage (similar to 60 V) and the lack of long-term cycling stability data remain limitations. This RAFT-PISA based preparation effectively addresses the key limitations in the fabrication process of PDLC and their high driving voltage requirements. It demonstrates promising prospects for applications in smart materials and anti-counterfeiting technologies, provided that future work reduces the driving voltage and validates operational durability.
Keywords:
Liquid crystal-block copolymer
RAFT-PISA based preparation
Thermo-/electrochromic properties
Smart materials
Journal
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5.1
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23
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0
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