Two polymer network conformations currently exist for LCE materials: Side chain LCE (SCLCE)& Main chain LCE (MCLCE) illustrated below. The side chain conformation has the LC mesogen pendant from the linear polymer network. The main chain LCE has the LC mesogens linked end to end forming a LC polymer which is cross-linked to form the network. Either nematic or smectic LCE may be prepared from side chain and main chain LCE
Side chain LCE prepared through photo-polymerization of acrylate mesogens. Please click on the image to enlarge for a detailed explanation. Materials available from the facility of this type include photo-sensitive polymer networks (Ikeda) and vapor sensitive LCE (Broer).
Side chain LCE prepared via hydrosilylation reaction of vinyl mesogen with methyl-hydrosiloxane polymer. Materials of this type available from the facility include LCE films developed by either H. Finkelmann's group or R. Zentel's group. Please click on image to expand for more detailed information.