Thermal analysis of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal under electric field using photopyroelectric technique

In this paper the first measurement of effective thermal parameters (thermal diffusivity, effusivity, conductivity and heat capacity) of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) composites using the photopyroelectric (PPE) calorimetry is reported. The PPE technique is used in the standard back configuration and the cell has been designed for allowing the application of an electric field to the sample. Results show a dependence of the thermal parameters on the applied electric field which is explained by the reorientation of the liquid crystal molecules inside the droplets.