Nanofibers loaded with trichromatic fluorescent dyes for enhancing the electro-optical properties of PDLC for application in colored smart windows

Colored polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films have emerged as a promising technology for smart windows. However, their application has been limited by challenges such as a restricted color range and complex patterning processes. This study introduces a innovative approach that embeds nanofibers containing multiple fluorescent dyes into PDLCs to create vibrant patterns. By incorporating nanofibers with a variety of fluorescent dyes, these PDLCs can display diverse colors under both natural and ultraviolet (UV) light. The nanofiber distribution also enables the formation of distinct embedded images. Notably, the electro-optical performance of PDLC is significantly improved by the incorporation of fluorescent dyes, with the contrast ratio (CR) increasing by over 230 %. Furthermore, environmental tests on the prepared colored PDLCs demonstrated excellent stability, underscoring their substantial potential for practical applications. This method for fabricating multicolored patterned PDLCs is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of smart window technologies.