Due to the rapid growth of information technology, display devices are the objects of considerable current attention.
Liquid crystals appear to be the material of choice for flat panel displays.
The new generation of liquid crystal display materials are composites of liquid crystals and polymers. Both PDLC and PSCT materials are typically formed by phase separation of an initially homogeneous mixture of liquid crystal and pre-polymer. Understanding the emerging structure is of key importance for display applications. In addition to displays, PDLC and PSCT materials may be useful for high other applications, such as high density optical information storage. Phase separation in these materials can take place due to a thermal quench, solvent evaporation or polymerization.