What is PDLC film and technology principle

2024-06-14

I. Overview
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film, namely polymer dispersed liquid crystal film, is an advanced electroswitchable technology. The technology realizes the rapid conversion of glass between transparent and opaque through voltage regulation, and has a wide application prospect. PDLC film not only has excellent electro-optical properties, but also has high light transmittance, high impact strength, long life and other characteristics, so it has been widely used in intelligent display, indoor partition, anti-peeping film and other fields

II. Technical principles

The core technology of PDLC film lies in its special material structure. The membrane is composed of a polymer matrix and a liquid crystal microdrop uniformly dispersed in it. In the non-energized state, the optical axis of the liquid crystal droplet is disordered, resulting in strong scattering of light and a milky opaque state. When the electric field is applied, the optical axis direction of the liquid crystal droplet is uniformly aligned along the electric field direction, so that the ordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal particle matches the refractive index of the matrix to a certain extent, and the light can pass through the matrix and appear transparent or translucent.

III. Preparation method

The main preparation methods of PDLC film are temperature phase separation method (TIPS), solvent phase separation method (SIPS), polymerization phase separation method (PIPS) and so on. By controlling the phase separation process of polymer and liquid crystal mixture, liquid crystal particles are formed and dispersed in the continuous phase of the polymer, so as to prepare PDLC film. Among them, temperature phase separation method and solvent phase separation method are the main methods for preparing PDLC films.

IV. Technical characteristics

Power transparent, power off fog: PDLC film can achieve rapid conversion between transparent and opaque through voltage regulation, suitable for the need to protect privacy or adjust the light transmittance of the occasion.

Heat insulation and sun protection: PDLC film has good heat insulation performance, can effectively reduce indoor temperature, reduce air conditioning energy consumption. The data show that the use of PDLC film can reduce the energy consumption through the glass by about 70%.

Easy large area preparation: PDLC film preparation process is simple, easy to achieve large area production, to meet the needs of various sizes and shapes.

Light and dark adjustable, fast conversion speed: the transparency of PDLC film can be continuously changed by voltage regulation, and the conversion speed is extremely fast, suitable for occasions where the transparency needs to be quickly switched.

V. Application fields

PDLC film has a wide range of applications, including intelligent display, indoor partition, anti-peeping film, electroswitchable glass and so on. In the field of intelligent display, PDLC film can be used to make electronic curtains, projection screens, etc. In the field of indoor partition, PDLC film can be used to make partition walls with adjustable transparency; In the field of anti-peeping film, PDLC film can be used to protect privacy; In the field of electroswitchable glass, PDLC film can be used to make smart Windows, display cabinets, etc.

VI. Market prospects

With people's pursuit of intelligent and energy-saving life, the market demand for PDLC film continues to grow. According to the market research report, the global polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.96%, to 2029 will reach 1.894 billion yuan. In the future, PDLC film will be applied in more fields, bringing more convenience and comfort to people's lives.