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Simuli Responsive Liquid Crystal- Polymer Composite Fibers

 KSU.353

Abstract:Light modulating liquid crystal (LC) composite materials comprised of LC and a polymeric carrier in a core shell fiber structure, useful in stimuli-responsive optical fibers, textiles, and optoelectronic (OE) devices are described.  Also methods are disclosed for forming LC composite fiber devices so that optical response can be obtained upon application of external stimuli such as electric field, magnetic field, heat, mechanical stress, or photonic radiation.  An electrospinning method was first utilized in order to create ultrafine and also optically-responsive electro-optical composite LC fibers, while other methods are envisioned.  Synthetically produced polymeric materials have been key in producing self-sustaining/self-adhering flexible display prototypes.  Encapsulation of LC materials into polymer morphology via phase separation has been used to prepare sophisticated light modulating devices and in light shutters, bistable displays, switchable windows, portable electronics, beam steering devices, etc.  LC materials can also be confined to porous matrices, capillary tubes, cavities, and prefab inclusions by infiltration/permeation methods. Frequently-used matrices are controlled-pore glasses, aerogels, and aerosil particles.  To create optically-responsive textiles and enhance overall flexibility, OE devices have previously been produced on fabrics, utilizing:  LC/polymer composites;  other existing display technologies; reflective cholesteric LCD fabricated by sequential coating of functional layers on fabric; LED-illuminated optical fibers woven into fabrics; and OLED coated fibers.  Although producing some flexibility, all of these negatively impact physical characteristics of textiles like full flexibility and breathability.  Incorporation of LC molecules directly into fibers as described here can combine fiber/textile and optoelectronic properties of liquid crystals.

Applications: 

  • Switchable textiles and high-tech fabric displays that can be switched between opaque and transparent states by applying an alternating current (AC) electric field
  • Fabric displays used as sensors
  • Photonic applications – optical sensors, light-modulating devices operating in the UV-VIS to IR regions
  • Reflective mode of cholesteric LC mesophase can be formed into fabrics functioning as thermo-optic devices embedded or woven into clothing

Advantages:

  • Physical and chemical characteristics of the LC/polymer fibers can be tailored with additives
  • Optomechanical & optoelectronic properties may be manipulated by adding LC elastomers into structure
  • Bendable LC/polymer optical fibers and nonwoven mats can be engineered to form materials and devices capable of  responding to chemical changes, thermal and mechanical effects, and application of electric and magnetic fields
  • Detection of  chemicals present in environment can be observed by texture, color, shape changes

Inventors: Dr. Ebru A. Buyuktanir, Dr. Margaret W. Frey, Dr. John L. West

Licensing Contacts

Suguna Rachakonda

Associate Director, Technology Commercialization

Office: 330-672-3553  Fax: 330-672-7991

Email: srachako@kent.edu