Smart Windows Based on Liquid Crystal Dispersions

Summary

"Smart" windows are classifiable as passive devices when their optical properties vary with a stimulus but cannot be modulated or as active devices when the optical properties are tunable with an external stimulus. Active "smart" windows include liquid crystalline (LC) dispersions, electrochromic materials, electrowetting materials, electrokinetic devices, and gasochromic materials. Examples of passive "smart" windows include phase‐change, thermochromic, and photochromic materials. The chapter reviews the principal properties of the components of smart window devices based on LC dispersions, as well as their assembly techniques and characteristics. It shows the parameters for measurement of electrooptical performance in LC‐dispersion devices. The chapter describes the properties and advantages of LC‐dispersion composite material such polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), gel‐glass‐dispersed liquid crystal (GDLC), and polymer‐stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC). These materials offer new perspectives for applications in wearable technology, sensors, and switchable materials.