Patent · US Expired

Light modulating material and method for preparing same

US5087387A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
21References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1990
Grant dateFeb 11, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K19/544
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An improved light modulating material for use in electro-optic and thermo-optic display devices is produced by forming a homogeneous solution comprising an acrylic resin containing active hydrogen groups, a liquid crystal material, a diisocyanate or epoxide, and a solvent. The homogeneous solution is preferably applied to a conductive substrate and the solvent is then evaporated, causing phase separation resulting in formation of a liquid crystal phase dispersed within a solid polymer matrix. Application of an electric field to the substrate causes the liquid crystal material to align, which in turn causes the coating to switch from substantially translucent to substantially transparent. If the electric field is removed the light modulating material again becomes substantially translucent. Switching times can be improved by incorporating a titanate or zirconate organometallic material into the light modulating material.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.