Abstract: A process for making a stimuli responsive liquid crystal-polymer composite fiber comprising mixing a liquid crystal, a polymer, and a solvent; processing the mixture in the presence of an electric potential across a collection distance; phase separating a polymer and said liquid crystal; and encapsulating said liquid crystal within said polymer. The fiber generally comprises a liquid crystal core and a polymer shell wherein the liquid crystal is responsive to chemical changes, thermal and mechanical effects, as well as electrical and magnetic fields. A liquid crystal containing fiber can be utilized as optical fibers, in textiles, and in optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: A process for making a stimuli responsive liquid crystal-polymer composite fiber comprising mixing a liquid crystal, a polymer, and a solvent; processing the mixture in the presence of an electric potential across a collection distance; phase separating a polymer and said liquid crystal; and encapsulating said liquid crystal within said polymer. The fiber generally comprises a liquid crystal core and a polymer shell wherein the liquid crystal is responsive to chemical changes, thermal and mechanical effects, as well as electrical and magnetic fields. A liquid crystal containing fiber can be utilized as optical fibers, in textiles, and in optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a film comprising a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) which exists independently from a substrate, i.e. a substrate-free PDLC; a fiber, a fabric, and a device thereof; and methods thereof. In an embodiment, a mixture comprising liquid crystal and monomers floats and is spread over a liquid base, before polymerization the mixture into a layer of polymer matrix dispersed with liquid crystal domains. The invention exhibits numerous technical merits such as improved transmittance, enhanced brightness, easier manufacturability, more flexible manufacturability, better cost-effectiveness, enhanced electro-optical performance, and improved device uniformity, among others.