POLYMER-DISPERSED LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITION WITH IMPROVED HEAT RESISTANCE CHARACTERISTICS AND PDLC TYPE LIGHT CONTROL BODY MANUFACTURED THEREFROM

Abstract

A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition and a PDLC type light control body using the composition is provided. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition contains a silane-based monomer including at least one acryloyl group, a thiol-based monomer having at least one thiol group, an acryl-based monomer, a liquid crystal mixture, and a light initiator.

Claims

1. A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition comprising: a silane-based monomer including at least one acryloyl group; a thiol-based monomer including at least one thiol group; an acrylic monomer; a liquid crystal mixture; and a photoinitiator.

2. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the silane-based monomer is a compound represented by Formula 1 below: ##STR00005## wherein in Formula 1, L.sub.1 is selected from *O*, *S*, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group; and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, a1 is an integer of 0 to 20, R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group; and a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkynyl group, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkoxy group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, and * are binding sites with an adjacent atom, respectively.

3. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the silane-based monomer is a compound represented by Formula 2 below: ##STR00006##

4. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the thiol-based monomer has a structure represented by Formula 3 below: ##STR00007## wherein in Formula 3, L.sub.3 and L.sub.4 are each independently selected from a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group; and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, a3 is an integer of 0 to 10, a4 is an integer of 0 to 10, and * is a binding site with an adjacent atom.

5. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the thiol-based monomer comprises alkyl 3-mercaptopropionate, trimethylolpropanetris(3-mercaptopropionate), or any combination thereof.

6. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein an amount of the thiol-based monomer is in the range of 10 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition.

7. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the acrylic monomer comprises a monofunctional acrylic monomer and a multifunctional acrylic monomer.

8. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein an amount of the acrylic monomer is in the range of 10 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition.

9. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition of claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal mixture comprises a nematic liquid crystal compound.

10. A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)-type light control body comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is formed of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates interaction of a silane-based monomer including both an organic functional group bound to an organic material and a functional group reactive to an inorganic material, contained in a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes: a silane-based monomer including at least one acryloyl group; a thiol-based monomer including at least one thiol group; an acrylic monomer; a liquid crystal mixture; and a photoinitiator.

[0012] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes a silane-based monomer including at least one acryloyl group.

[0013] According to an aspect of disclosed embodiment, the silane-based monomer may be represented by Formula 1 below.

##STR00001##

[0014] In Formula 1, L.sub.1 is selected from *O*, *S*, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group; and

[0015] a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group.

[0016] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, L.sub.1 may be *O*, *S*, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, or a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group.

[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, L.sub.1 may be *O* or a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group. For example, L.sub.1 may be *O*, an ethylene group, or a propylene group, without being limited thereto.

[0018] In Formula 1, a1 is an integer of 0 to 20.

[0019] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the a1 may be an integer of 0 to 10. According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the a1 may be an integer of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, without being limited thereto.

[0020] For example, in Formula 1 above, a1 may be 1, and L.sub.1 may be a propylene group.

[0021] As another example, in Formula 1 above, a1 may be 2, wherein one L.sub.1 may be *O*, and the other L.sub.1 may be a propylene group.

[0022] In Formula 1, R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 may be each independently selected from hydrogen, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group; and

[0023] a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkynyl group, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkoxy group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group.

[0024] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the R.sub.1 to R.sub.3 may be each independently a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group. For example, the R.sub.1 to R.sub.3 may be each independently a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.

[0025] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the R.sub.1 to R.sub.3 may be the same. For example, all of the R.sub.1 to R.sub.3 may be methoxy groups, without being limited thereto.

[0026] According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be each independently selected from

[0027] hydrogen, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group; and

[0028] a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group and a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, and a hydrazono group.

[0029] For example, the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be each independently hydrogen, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a tert-butyl group, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group.

[0030] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, both of the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be hydrogen, without being limited thereto.

[0031] In Formula 1 above, * and * are binding sites with an adjacent atom, respectively.

[0032] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the silane-based monomer may be a compound represented by the following formula.

##STR00002##

[0033] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an amount of the silane-based monomer may be in the range of 1 part by weight to 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. For example, the amount of the silane-based monomer may be in the range of 1 part by weight to 6 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. Within the amount range of the silane-based monomer, a PDLC-type light control body manufactured using the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition has excellent high-temperature characteristics and a high adhesive force.

[0034] Particularly, when the amount of the silane-based monomer is in the range of 1 part by weight to 6 parts by weight, high-temperature characteristics and adhesive force are enhanced. When the amount of the silane-based monomer is in the range of 6 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight, high-temperature characteristics and the adhesive force gradually deteriorate.

[0035] The silane-based monomer includes at least one photoreactive acryloyl group and may be a compound represented by Formula 1 as shown above.

[0036] In addition, when the photoreactive group of the silane-based monomer is a methacryloyl group or a vinyl group instead of the acryloyl group, a photopolymerization behavior of the polymer is very slow resulting in excessive phase separation of the liquid crystals in the polymer matrix, the droplet size significantly increases resulting in an increase in transmittance in a power-OFF state with no voltage applied, and a conversion rate of the polymer decreases resulting in deterioration of strength and high-temperature characteristics of the polymer.

[0037] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes a thiol-based monomer including at least one thiol group.

[0038] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the thiol-based monomer may have a structure represented by Formula 3 below.

##STR00003##

[0039] In Formula 3, L.sub.3 and L.sub.4 are each independently selected from a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group; and

[0040] a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkynylene group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a divalent C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylthio group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a divalent C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group, a divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group.

[0041] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, L.sub.3 and L.sub.4 may be each independently: a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group; or a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group substituted with deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group.

[0042] According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, L.sub.3 and L.sub.4 may be each independently a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkylene group. For example, the L.sub.3 may be a propylene group.

[0043] In Formula 3 above, a3 is an integer of 0 to 10.

[0044] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the a3 may be an integer of 0 to 5, without being limited thereto.

[0045] In Formula 3 above, a4 is an integer of 0 to 10.

[0046] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the a4 may be an integer of 0 to 5, without being limited thereto.

[0047] In Formula 3 above, * is a binding site with an adjacent atom.

[0048] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the thiol-based monomer may include 1 to 4 structures represented by Formula 3 above. For example, the thiol-based monomer may include a compound having one structure represented by Formula 3 above, a compound having three structures respectively represented by Formula 3 above, or any combination thereof.

[0049] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the thiol-based monomer may be represented by Formula 4 below.

##STR00004##

[0050] wherein in Formula 4,

[0051] L.sub.3, L.sub.4, a3 and a4 are as described above,

[0052] n1 is an integer of 1 to 4,

[0053] R.sub.6 is selected from: hydrogen, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group; and

[0054] a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group, each substituted with at least one selected from deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkoxy group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group, a C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group, a monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group, and a monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group.

[0055] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, in Formula 4 above, n1 may be 1 to 3. For example, the n1 may be 1 or 3.

[0056] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, in Formula 4 above, R.sub.6 may be a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl group. For example, the R.sub.6 may be a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a ter-butyl group, a pentyl group, an iso-amyl group, or a hexyl group.

[0057] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the thiol-based monomer may include alkyl 3-mercaptopropionate, trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate), or any combination thereof, without being limited thereto.

[0058] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an amount of the thiol-based monomer may be in the range of 10 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. When the amount of the thiol-based monomer is within the range above, morphology in the form of droplets is formed during polymerization to improve strength of the polymer, thereby enhancing high-temperature characteristics thereof. For example, when the amount of the thiol-based monomer is less than 10 parts by weight, a polymerization rate of the polymer is so fast that phase separation of the liquid crystal is insufficient in a polymer matrix, resulting in formation of morphology in the form of polymer balls, failing to form morphology in the form of droplets. Thus, when the amount of the thiol-based monomer is less than 10 parts by weight, a driving voltage considerably increases, and the liquid crystals, which are not phase-separated, remain in the polymer matrix in the form of polymer balls, decreasing strength of the polymer thereby deteriorating high-temperature characteristics thereof.

[0059] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes an acrylic monomer.

[0060] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the acrylic monomer may include a monofunctional acrylic monomer and a multifunctional acrylic monomer.

[0061] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the monofunctional acrylic monomer may include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, 3-methylbutyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethyl-n-hexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), dicyclopentanyl acrylate, dicyclopentanyloxyethyl acrylate, isomyristyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, methoxydipropyleneglycol acrylate, methoxytripropyleneglycol acrylate, benzyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl acrylate, hydroxypentyl acrylate, hydroxyhexyl acrylate, hydroxycyclohexyl acrylate, or any combination thereof.

[0062] For example, the monofunctional acrylic monomer may include hydroxy ethylacrylate (HEA), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), or any combination thereof, without being limited thereto.

[0063] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the multifunctional acrylic monomer may include ethyleneglycol diacrylate, diethyleneglycol diacrylate, triethyleneglycol diacrylate, tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA), propyleneglycol diacrylate, dipropyleneglycol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, bisphenol A diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate, dipentaerythritol diacrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, tris(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phosphate, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, ethoxylated glycerol triacrylate, phosphine oxide (PO) modified glycerol triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, ethoxylated phosphoric acid triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, caprolactone modified trimethylolpropanetriacrylate, ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, PO modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tris(acryloxyethyl) isocyanurate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, caprolactone modified dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, dipentaerythritolhydroxy pentaacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, dipentaerythritol polyacrylate, alkyl-modified dipentaerythritol triacrylate, or any combination thereof.

[0064] For example, the multifunctional acrylic monomer may include tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA), 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate (HDDA) or any combination thereof, without being limited thereto.

[0065] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an amount of the acrylic monomer may be in the range of 10 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. When the amount of the acrylic monomer is within the range, a proper photopolymerization rate may be maintained to promote phase separation of the liquid crystals, thereby being suitable to increase strength of the polymer and improve high-temperature characteristics thereof. For example, when the amount of the acrylic monomer is less than 10 parts by weight, the photopolymerization rate decreases. When the amount of the acrylic monomer is greater than 50 parts by weight, the photopolymerization rate is so fast as to deteriorate phase separation of the liquid crystals.

[0066] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the acrylic monomer may include hydroxy ethyl acrylate (HEA), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate (HDDA), tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA), or any combination thereof.

[0067] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes a liquid crystal mixture.

[0068] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the liquid crystal mixture includes a nematic liquid crystal compound. For example, the nematic liquid crystal compound may be, but is not limited to, a biphenyl-based compound, a cyclohexane-based compound, an ester-based compound, a terphenyl-based compound, or a pyrimidine-based compound, and any compound well known in the art may also be used.

[0069] A nematic liquid crystal compound generally has a long, thin rod-shaped molecular structure and has a low viscosity because molecules are arranged in parallel with each other and move relatively freely in the major axis direction.

[0070] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, a nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature (T.sub.NI) of the nematic liquid crystal compound may be 100 C. or higher. As used herein, the term nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature refers to a temperature at which phase transition of a liquid crystal mixture including a nematic liquid crystal compound occurs from a nematic phase into an isotropic phase. In general, as the T.sub.NI of the liquid crystal mixture increases, variation in a refractive anisotropy (n) according to temperature decreases and the nematic phase is maintained in a wider temperature range.

[0071] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the amount of the liquid crystal mixture may be in the range of 30 parts by weight to 70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. When the amount of the liquid crystal mixture is within the range above, phase separation of the liquid crystal occurs while miscibility of the polymer and the liquid crystal is sufficiently maintained, and thus the liquid crystal mixture is suitable for the manufacture of the PDLC-type light control body. For example, when the amount of the liquid crystal mixture is less than 30 parts by weight, phase separation of the liquid crystal does not occur in the polymer matrix. When the amount of the liquid crystal mixture is greater than 70 parts by weight, miscibility between the polymer and the liquid crystal decreases causing phase separation in a solution state failing to prepare the polymer-dispersed liquid crystals.

[0072] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to the present disclosure includes a photoinitiator.

[0073] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the photoinitiator may include a benzoin ether-based compound, an alkyl phenone-based compound, a benzophenone-based compound, a hydroxy-alkyl benzophenone-based compound (e.g., Darocur series manufactured by Merck), a xanthone-based compound, a thioxanthone-based compound, a phosphineoxide-based compound (e.g., Irgacure series manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals), or derivatives thereof. For example, the photoinitiator may include 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenyl-phosohine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide acrylic monomer, or any combination thereof, without being limited thereto.

[0074] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an amount of the photoinitiator may be in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition. When the amount of the photoinitiator is within the range above, the photoinitiator does not remain after photopolymerization while maintaining a photopolymerization rate of the polymer at a constant level, and thus weather resistance of the polymer does not deteriorate. For example, when the amount of the photoinitiator is less than 1 part by weight, the photopolymerization rate of the polymer is very slow to reduce a conversion rate of the polymer. When the amount of the photoinitiator is greater than 5 parts by weight, the photopolymerization rate of the polymer is very fast and weather resistance of the polymer deteriorate by the photoinitiator remaining after photopolymerization.

[0075] According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a PDLC-type light control body including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is formed of the above-described polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition.

[0076] Materials used to form the first electrode and the second electrode may be any materials well known in the art such as a conductive metal, a conductive polymer, a conductive nanowire, and a metal oxide without limitation.

[0077] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode may be a transparent electrode, without being limited thereto. For example, one of the first electrode and the second electrode may be a transparent electrode or both of the first electrode and the second electrode may be transparent electrodes.

[0078] Materials used to form the transparent electrode may include: a metallic material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO); glass coated with a conductive polymer such as polyethylene dioxythiophene (PEDOT); or a material coated on a substrate such as triacetyl cellulose, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, and polystyrene.

[0079] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode may be patterned, if required.

[0080] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer may be formed by photocuring the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition using UV light in a wavelength range of 350 nm to 400 nm.

[0081] According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, the PDLC-type light control body may be flexible. For example, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer may be flexible, respectively.

[0082] As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkyl group is a monovalent linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 60 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a pentyl group, an isoamyl group, and a hexyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkyl group.

[0083] As used herein, the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenyl group refers to a hydrocarbon group including at least one carbon-carbon double bond within or at a terminal of the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkyl group, and examples thereof include an ethenyl group, a propenyl group, and a butenyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenyl group.

[0084] As used herein, the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkenyl group refers to a hydrocarbon group including at least one carbon-carbon triple bond within or at a terminal of the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkyl group, and examples thereof include an ethynyl group, a propynyl group, and a butynyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkynylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the C.sub.2-C.sub.60 alkynyl group.

[0085] As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkoxy group refers to a monovalent group having a chemical formula of OA.sub.101 (where A.sub.101 is the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 alkyl group), and examples thereof include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, and an isopropyloxy group.

[0086] As used herein, the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group refers to a monovalent saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, and a cycloheptyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl group.

[0087] As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group refers to a monovalent monocyclic group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and including at least one hetero atom selected from N, O, Si, P, and S, as a ring-forming atom, and examples thereof include a 1,2,3,4-oxatriazolidinyl group, a tetrahydrofuranyl group, and a tetrahydrothiophenyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkyl group.

[0088] As used herein, the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group refers to a monovalent monocyclic group containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms and including at least one double bond within the ring without aromaticity, and examples thereof include a cyclopentenyl group, a cyclohexenyl group, and a cycloheptenyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as the C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkenyl group.

[0089] As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group refers to a monovalent monocyclic group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and including at least one hetero atom selected from N, O, Si, P, and S, as a ring-forming atom, with at least one double bond within the ring. Examples of the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group include 4,5-dihydro-1,2,3,4-oxatriazolyl group, a 2,3-dihydrofuranyl group, and a 2,3-dihydrothiophenyl group. As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenylene group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the C.sub.1-C.sub.10 heterocycloalkenyl group.

[0090] As used herein, the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group refers to a monovalent group having a carbocyclic aromatic system containing 6 to 60 carbon atoms, and the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group refers to a divalent group having a carbocyclic aromatic system containing 6 to 60 carbon atoms. Examples of the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group include a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthracenyl group, a phenanthrenyl group, a pyrenyl group, and a chrysenyl group. When the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group and the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylene group include two or more rings, the two or more rings may be condensed with each other.

[0091] As used herein, the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group refers to a monovalent group having a heterocyclic aromatic system containing 1 to 60 carbon atoms and including at least one hetero atom selected from N, O, Si, P, and S as a ring-forming atom, and the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group refers to a divalent group having a heterocyclic aromatic system containing 1 to 60 carbon atoms and including at least one hetero atom selected from N, O, Si, P, and S as a ring-forming atom. Examples of the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group include a pyridinyl group, a pyrimidinyl group, a pyrazinyl group, a pyridazinyl group, a triazinyl group, a quinolinyl group, and an isoquinolinyl group. When the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroaryl group and the C.sub.1-C.sub.60 heteroarylene group include two or more rings, the two or more rings may be condensed with each other.

[0092] As used herein, the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryloxy group is OA.sub.102 (where A.sub.102 is the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group), and the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 arylthio group is SA.sub.103 (where A.sub.103 is the C.sub.6-C.sub.60 aryl group).

[0093] As used herein, the monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group refers to a monovalent group containing only carbon atoms (e.g., 8 to 60 carbon atoms), as ring-forming atoms, and having non-aromaticity in which two or more rings are condensed with each other. Examples of the monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group include a fluorenyl group. As used herein, the divalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the monovalent non-aromatic condensed polycyclic group.

[0094] As used herein, the monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group refers to a monovalent group (e.g., including 1 to 60 carbon atoms) and at least one hetero atom selected from N, O, Si, P, and S as a ring-forming atom in addition to carbon atoms with non-aromaticity in which two or more rings are condensed with each other. Examples of the monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group include a carbazolyl group. As used herein, the divalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group refers to a divalent group having the same structure as that of the monovalent non-aromatic heterocondensed polycyclic group.

[0095] Hereinafter, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition according to an aspect of the presently disclosed embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the following preparation examples and examples.

MODE OF DISCLOSURE

Examples and Comparative Examples

[0096] Preparation of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Composition for Manufacturing PDLC-Type Light Control Body

[0097] Components and weight % thereof used to form polymer-dispersed liquid crystal compositions according to examples and comparative examples are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Example Example Example Example Example 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 Trimethylolpropane 20 20 20 20 20 tris(3-mercaptopropionate) Isobornyl acrylate 8 14 12 10 6 Tripropyleneglycol 15 15 15 15 15 diacrylate 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl- 1 1 1 1 1 diphenyl-phosphine oxide Nematic liquid crystal 50 50 50 50 50 compound (T.sub.NI = 100 C.) 3-acryloxypropyl 6 0 2 4 8 trimethoxysilane Total 100 100 100 100 100

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparative Example Example 2-1 2-1 Trimethylolpropane 20 20 tris(3-mercaptopropionate) Isobornyl acrylate 8 8 Tripropyleneglycol diacrylate 15 15 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl- 1 1 diphenyl-phosphine oxide Nematic liquid crystal 50 50 compound (T.sub.NI = 100 C.) 3-acryloxypropyl 6 0 trimethoxysilane 3-methacryloxypropyl 0 0 triethoxysilane Vinyl triethoxysilane 0 6 Total 100 100

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Comparative Example Example Example 3-1 3-2 3-1 Trimethylolpropane 20 10 0 tris(3-mercaptopropionate) Isobornyl acrylate 8 13 18 Tripropyleneglycol diacrylate 15 20 25 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl- 1 1 1 diphenyl-phosphine oxide Nematic liquid crystal 50 50 50 compound (T.sub.NI = 100 C.) 3-acryloxypropyl 6 6 6 trimethoxysilane Total 100 100 100

[0098] Manufacture of PDLC-Type Light Control Body

[0099] The prepared polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composition was coated, to a thickness of 24 m, on a transparent PET film (188 m, Toyobo) on which a transparent electrode (indium tin oxide) layer is formed, and a same transparent electrode film was laminated thereon. The structure was exposed to a black light lamp having a wavelength of 365 nm (UV intensity: 1.0 mW/cm.sup.2) to prepare a PDLC film.

[0100] Evaluation of Adhesive Force and Haze

[0101] Adhesive force, Off haze, On haze, and Off haze change temperature of each of the manufactured PDLC-type light control bodies were evaluated according to the following methods, and results thereof are shown in Tables 4, 5, and 6 below.

[0102] 1) The adhesive force was measured at a peel angle of 180 and a peel rate of 300 mm/min according to the ASTM D4366 method using an H5KS device manufactured by Tinus Olsen.

[0103] 2) The Off haze and the On haze were measured according to the ASTM D1003 method using a CM-3500d spectrometer manufactured by Minolta.

[0104] 3) The Off haze change temperature was measured while increasing temperature using the CM-3500d spectrometer manufactured by Minolta.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Off haze change Adhesive force Off haze On haze temperature (N/inch) (%) (%) ( C.) Example 1-1 2.0 90 3.2 98 Comparative 0.9 90 2.9 80 Example 1-1 Example 1-2 1.2 89 3.1 87 Example 1-3 1.6 89 3.1 93 Example 1-4 0.9 91 3.5 88

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Off haze change Adhesive force Off haze On haze temperature (N/inch) (%) (%) ( C.) Example 2-1 2.0 90 3.2 98 Comparative 0.8 73 3.6 81 Example 2-1

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Off haze change Adhesive force Off haze On haze temperature (N/inch) (%) (%) ( C.) Example 3-1 2.0 90 3.2 98 Example 3-2 1.5 85 3.0 85 Comparative 0.9 80 2.8 80 Example 3-1

[0105] As shown in Tables 4, 5, and 6, it was confirmed that the PDLC-type light control bodies manufactured by using the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal compositions according to the examples had higher adhesive forces and higher Off haze change temperatures than those of the comparative examples. Particularly, the PDLC-type light control bodies manufactured according to Examples 1-1, 2-1, and 3-1 had high adhesive forces of 2.0 N/inch and exhibited excellent high-temperature characteristics with an Off haze change temperature of 98 C.