The role of sub-regional electrostatic spinning nanofiber loaded with WO ₃ nanoparticle in modulating electro-optic performance and stepwise display of polymer dispersed liquid crystal

The advancement of multi-functional displays with outstanding electro-optical properties is particularly essential at present. However, conventional integral all-area driven transparent displays are gradually failing to meet current demands. Herein, sub-regional electrostatic spinning of nanofibers as a novel fabrication method was introduced into polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) to achieve stepwise display in concert with loaded WO3 nanoparticles, addressing the aforementioned drawback. The use of nanofibers played a crucial role in ensuring fine dispersion of nanoparticles, resulting in a reduction of the saturation voltage of the PDLC film from 28.9 V to 19.7 V and an increase in contrast ratio from 105.7 to 194.3. Meanwhile, experimental findings and theoretical considerations have revealed that variations in microscopic pore size can significantly influence the electro-optical behaviour of PDLC film. Next, the stepwise PDLC film was prepared by electrostatically spinning nanofibers onto half of the LC cell region, leading to different voltage-transmittance responses between the two regions. Consequently, under appropriate driving voltages, the PDLC film can realise three different optical states: total scatter, half-transparency, and total transparency. In addition, the PDLC film exhibited excellent anti-thermal ageing performance, allowing it to excel in various advanced display applications.