Abstract
Phase separation in gels swollen by nematic solvents is investigated using a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model. We demonstrate that elasticity of the polymer network is responsible for a foam-like domain morphology observed in polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). Rubber elasticity also prevents domain merger, leading to a coarsening behavior substantially slower than in liquid-liquid demixing. We briefly discuss phase separation in nematic polymer gels, in which operates a novel anchoring mechanism mediated by elastic strain.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 857-864 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology Section A: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals |
Volume | 366 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Nematics
- PDLC
- Phase separation
- Polymer networks
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics