Cross relaxation of polymer dispersed liquid crystal droplets

A study of proton relaxation for polymer dispersed liquid crystal samples was performed using the techniques of magic-angle spinning and magnetization transfer. By the use of these procedures it is possible to determine the cross relaxation rate between the polymer and the liquid crystal directly. The cross relaxation rate is dependent on the curing temperature, which affects the size of the liquid crystal droplets. It is also dependent on the curing time, which affects the droplet size as well. The cross relaxation rates for the aromatic and aliphatic protons of the liquid crystal are very similar, indicating that the liquid crystal molecules probably orient themselves lengthwise on the polymer surface. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis was also performed in order to study the effect of curing time upon the thermal properties of the polymer.