Composite thin film nano/microstructure of solution-based metal oxide and UV-curable polymer for liquid crystal display

A nanostructured composite of ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymer and TaO was fabricated by UV imprinting and confirmed by physical and chemical analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Increasing the content of UV-curable polymers in the composite can successfully network with TaO and allow transfer. It was confirmed that nanostructured composite films could be successfully deposited on glass substrates depending on the UV-curable polymer content. AFM images with cross-sectional line profiles of 20 wt% composite films demonstrate that nanostructures can be successfully transferred. A uniform alignment was achieved with a stable pretilt angle on the transferred nanostructures. In addition, remarkably high-thermal budgets were observed due to the heat resistance of the films and nanostructures. Also, better C-V characteristics were observed compared to the rubbed polyimide liquid crystal (LC) cell. Therefore, nanostructured composites containing metal oxides and UV-curable polymers have great potential for LC devices considering their flexibility and sensitivity to heat such as rolling capability. This film can be used as an LC alignment layer with strong potential for high-quality LC applications.