Self-adjusting smart windows based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

The control of sunlight can be achieved either by electrochromic or polymer-dispersed liquid crystal(PDLC) smart windows. We have recently shown that it is possible to homeotropically align fluidmixtures of low molecular mass liquid crystal with a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a liquidcrystalline monomer, in order to obtain electrically switchable chromogenic devices. They are newmaterials useful for external glazing. In fact, they are not affected by the classical drawbacks of PDLCs. Inthis paper we present a new self-switchable glazing technology based on the light-controlledtransmittance in a PDLC device. The self-adjusting chromogenic material, which we obtain, is able toself-increase its scattering as a function of the impinging light intensity. The relationship between theelectro-optical response and the physical–chemical properties of the components has been alsoinvestigated.