Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomer Patterns Prepared Using a Photochromic Liquid Crystal Mixture

ABSTRACT Cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer (CLCE) patterns have attracted much attention for their applications in decoration, anti‐counterfeiting, and encryption. Due to the high viscosity of the oligomers, the preparation of these patterns is usually time‐consuming. Herein, the CLCE patterns are prepared using a photochromic cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) mixture composed of a low‐molecular‐weight liquid crystal and a photoisomerizable chiral additive. The cross‐linking degree of the CLCE is decreased using a chain transfer agent, and the structural color of patterns is controlled by the UV light irradiation dose. Since the patterned CLCE films can be achieved within 10 min, they can be prepared on a large scale on a coating line. Moreover, patterned CLCE/thermoplastic polyurethane grating composite films are also prepared by nanoimprinting, which are suitably applied for decoration.