One-step formation of infrared reflection microsheets via local photo-induced in situ polymerization

Liquid crystal (LC) smart windows with adjustable reflectivity have been gradually applied in green and intelligent building materials for energy saving needs, but their applications are limited by their fundamental defects. In this study, we developed local photo-induced in situ polymerization to rapidly fabricate the infrared reflection microsheets of a cholesteric LC polymer as functional units. With the exception of the LC formula, the photo mask, liquid crystal cell, polymerization inhibitor, and the preparation conditions were specifically managed to control the extent of in situ polymerization, namely the microsheet morphology. The circular, triangular and oval-shaped microsheets were precisely obtained and were slightly bigger than the light hole. This easy, controllable, continuous and recyclable technology is expected to promote the industrialization of a high quality LC smart window with an adjustable reflection band and state.