Abstract: A new type of polymer–liquid crystal composite with photovariable dichroism and birefringence is described. Porous stretched polyethylene films were used as polymer matrices. To induce a cholesteric phase in a commercial nematic host, a chiral photochromic dopant based on sorbide and cinnamic acid capable of E–Z isomerization under UV irradiation was used. A merocianine‐type substance was selected as a dichroic dye. Introduction of a dye‐doped cholesteric mixture with a helical pitch higher than ∼300 nm to polymer film led to an almost complete transition from a cholesteric to an oriented nematic phase, as well as to an increase in birefringence and the appearance of dichroism. Decrease of the helical pitch by increasing in the chiral dopant concentration in the liquid crystal–polymer composite results in a reduction of the dichroism values. UV irradiation of polymer composite leading to an isomerization of the chiral dopant and helix untwisting induces a noticeable gradual growth of dichroism and birefringence. These new composites can be considered as promising materials for optical applications.

Cite: Bobrovsky A. , Shibaev V. , El'yashevitch G. , Shimkin A. , Shirinyan V.
Photo‐optical properties of polymer composites based on stretched porous polyethylene filled with photoactive cholesteric liquid crystal
Liquid Crystals. 2007. V.34. N7. P.791-797. DOI: 10.1080/02678290701417101 WOS Scopus OpenAlex

Identifiers:

Web of science:	WOS:000248168400003
Scopus:	2-s2.0-34547181909
OpenAlex:	W2135176719

Citing:

DB	Citing
OpenAlex	11
Scopus	10
Web of science	10

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