Analysis of morphological behaviour and electro-optical properties of silica nanoparticles doped polymer dispersed liquid crystal composites

Abstract We have prepared silica nanoparticles (SNPs) doped polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) composites by using varying concentrations of SNPs. The varying concentration of SNPs has a profound impact on the morphology and electro-optical properties of PDLC. The polarizing optical microscopy (POM) studies revealed a substantial non- homogeneity/dual sized droplet morphology in the LC droplet size induced by the SNPs. The relative transmission was enhanced in the SNP-PDLC composites as compared to the undoped PDLC. The threshold voltage (V th ) of the doped composites decreased as compared to the undoped PDLC but increasing SNP concentration had a slight impact on the threshold voltage (V th ) as well as transmission. The effect of SNPs on nematic-isotropic transition temperature (T N-I ) and ionic conductivity was also clarified.