Droplet Manipulation on a Liquid Crystal and Polymer Composite Film

Abstract

In this paper, we review the research works about droplet manipulation on liquid crystal and polymer composite film (LCPCF). The switchable surface free energy on LCPCF results from the orientations of liquid crystal molecules anchored among the polymer grains of LCPCF. According to the modified Cassie's model and the measurement based on the Chibowski's film pressure model, the surface free energy of LCPCF is electrically switchable from 36 x 10(-3) J/m(2) to 51 x 10(-3) J/m(2). A droplet on LCPCF can be manipulated by a wettability gradient. By the droplet manipulation, we can realize applications such as bistable polarizer-free displays and sperm testers.