SBIR Phase I: Nanophase-Separating Thermoplastics for Stabilized Liquid Crystal Displays

* 96-60196 Thurmes 该第一阶段小企业创新研究项目将使用低浓度的交联单体制造铁电液晶（FLC）凝胶，该凝胶具有侧链聚合物的结构完整性，但FLC单体的快速切换时间。该项目将使用热塑性添加剂通过自发自组装实现三维晶格的形成。对于大面积直视平板显示器，FLC器件中所需的小间隙使得玻璃基板的使用成问题。一种更有吸引力的方法是使用市售的氧化铟锡（ITO）涂层的柔性塑料基板，并在类似于印刷机的卷材中加工FLC器件。不幸的是，FLC单体的流动特性使得最终的塑料夹层不稳定。另一方面，FLC侧链聚合物在网络过程中确实起作用，但对于显示目的来说切换太慢。 该技术的应用包括平板显示器、微型显示器和FLC快门。 ***

*** 96-60196 Thurmes This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will make Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) gels, using low concentrations of cross-linked monomers, which have the structural integrity of the side-chain polymers, yet the fast switching time of FLC monomers. The project will use thermoplastic additives to achieve the three dimensional lattice formation by spontaneous self-assembly. For large area direct view flat panel displays, the small gap required in FLC devices makes the use of glass substrates problematical. A more attractive approach would be to use commercially available IndiumTinOxide (ITO)-coated flexible plastic substrates and process the FLC device in a web similar to a printing press. Unfortunately, the flow characteristics of FLC monomers make the final plastic sandwich unstable. FLC side-chain polymer s, on the other hand, do work in the web process, but switch too slowly for display purposes. The applications for this technology include flat panel displays, micro displays, and FLC shutters. ***