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 fluid mixtures of low molecular mass liquid crystal with a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a liquid crystalline monomer, in order to obtain electrically switchable chromogenic devices. They are new materials useful for external glazing. In fact, they are not affected by the classical drawbacks of PDLCs. In this paper we present a new self-switchable glazing technology based on the light-controlled transmittance in a PDLC device. The self-adjusting chromogenic material, which we obtain, is able to self-increase its scattering as a function of the impinging light intensity. The relationship between the electro-optical response and the physical–chemical properties of the components has been also investigated.
Self-adjusting smart windows based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals
NICOLETTA, Fiore Pasquale;FORMOSO, Patrizia;DE FILPO, Giovanni;CHIDICHIMO, Giuseppe
2009-01-01
Abstract
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 fluid mixtures of low molecular mass liquid crystal with a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a liquid crystalline monomer, in order to obtain electrically switchable chromogenic devices. They are new materials useful for external glazing. In fact, they are not affected by the classical drawbacks of PDLCs. In this paper we present a new self-switchable glazing technology based on the light-controlled transmittance in a PDLC device. The self-adjusting chromogenic material, which we obtain, is able to self-increase its scattering as a function of the impinging light intensity. The relationship between the electro-optical response and the physical–chemical properties of the components has been also investigated.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.