Phase separation and gelation of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

Abstract

Polymerization-induced phase separation in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is studied by computer simulations in two dimensions. The domain morphology resulting from phase separation is investigated by solving the coupled set of equations for the local volume fraction and the nematic order parameter, taking into account the viscoelastic effects and gelation due to polymerization. Comparing the morphology of phase separation by temperature quench, it is shown that the viscoelastic effects and gelation enable the polymer-rich phase to form a stable interconnected domain even when the polymer component is minority. The experimental evidence consistent with this characteristic feature is also given.