Contact-free method to prepare photoalignment layers with spacers for flexible liquid crystal displays

The alignment layers and spacers between two polymeric substrates are indispensable components for flexible liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Photoalignment layers with spacers were prepared by a contact-free method using UV patternable and UV-curable materials on polyethersulfone (PES) films. Well-aligned liquid crystal with the direction of the photoalignment layer was observed by polarized microscope. Spacers played a significant role in preventing disruption of the ordering of the liquid crystal. The photoalignment layer with spacers prepared on a polymeric substrate without any physical contact was free from problems that are found in the rubbing method or the micro stamp replication method. Additionally this method can be used in wide areas for the manufacturing of large sized displays.

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► Schematic illustration of the procedures for the fabrication of photoalignment layers with spacer for flexible LCDs.
► Photoalignment layers with spacers prepared by contact-free process was free from problems of rubbing method.
► Spacers played a significant role in preventing disruption of the ordering of the liquid crystals in the bending conditions.