THERMORESPONSIVE SMART WINDOWS USING LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITES

Abstract

Thermoresponsive light attenuators, which efficiently switch between transparence and haze as a function of temperature, are a promising candidate for applications in smart windows for energy-saving buildings and vehicles. We have developed reverse-mode thermoresponsive polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs) to be applied to smart windows. This reversible optical behavior in response to ambient temperatures is readily used because the devices do not need intricate apparatuses for operation such as an external power supply, wiring, ITO transparent electrodes, and so on. The fabrication process is simple for users and manufacturers; that is, the mixture of LCs and reactive mesogens (or LC monomers) is sandwiched a clearance of 30 micro m with antiparallel rubbing-treated transparent substrates and then is photopolymerized by exposure of ultraviolet light to induce meso-scale phase separation.