A Retrospection of R & D of Liquid Crystals in Chisso Corporation

Abstract

A retrospection of research and development of liquid crystal materials in Chisso Corporation, mainly from the very beginning to successful establishing of the business unit. As we started a small liquid crystal team in 1972,well behind other chemical industries, the usual course of R & D, i. e. from research through development to business, did not seem realistic in view of an immediate demand from LCD industries. A brief review of how we managed to develop a business unit in, so to say, an reverse course. It was only after we caught the opportunity at the advent of Twisted Nematics to attain a reasonable position in LC business that we could start substantial research work of materials.