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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N17560/01
Title: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION OF FLEXIBLE 'PLASTIC' CHIRAL LC THERMO- AND ELECTRO-OPTIC DEVICES
Principal Investigator: Coles, Professor HJ
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Dow Corning Ltd (UK) Merck Ltd
Department: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2000 Ends: 31 October 2002 Value (£): 215,396
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The driving aim of this project is to provide a comprehensive study of the incorporation of functional chiral liquid crystals in flexible 'plastic' devices produced by roll to roll lamination techniques. The performance of PRE-PROCESSED materials will then be correlated to that exhibited POST-PROCESSING by examining the science of the PROCESSING MECHANISMS 'in situ'. The understanding generated by this study should then lead to the foundation of an industrial base with the chosen partners, i.e. Merck and Dow-Corning (chemicals and polymers), Hallcrest, HP and IBM (all devices and manufacture) . We have identified two main types of functional materials, i) thermally responsive leading to optical sensors, and ii) electrically responsive incorporating electro-active (linear and non-linear) liquid crystals exhibiting flexo, ferro- and antiferro-electric phases as well as dichroic and fluorescent properties. We will consruct a prototype curing/lamination production line suitable for upscaling A4 size devices with on-line analysis. Using the unique chemical, modelling and physical characterisation facilities at Southampton we will carry out basic materials synthesis, examination of the Production Mechanisms and Evaluation of the devices. The partners have been chosen so that all elements of the programmes have a firm industrial base and production facilities in the UK.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk