Does PDLC smart glass conduct electricity?
No, the internal PDLC layer is plastic and does not conduct electricity, since it is electrically insulated. Rather, it behaves more like a capacitor, where the applied signal alternates between positive and negative voltages at the plates of the capacitor, causing an alternating electric field throughout the PDLC dielectric, which is what aligns the liquid crystals with the frequency of the signal (normally 50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Why does PDLC require a polymer?
The polymer allows the liquid crystals to be embedded into a film, which can then be sandwiched between panels of glass or plastic. The polymer has constant optical properties which do not vary across its structure, and hence is considered isotropic.
In contrast, the liquid crystal itself is anisotropic, since its optical characteristics are not constant across its structure, but rather can vary under application of an electric field.
What are the major reasons for using PDLC smart glass?
Enhanced security (since the glass is shatter-proof thanks to the internal plastic lamination)
Privacy (thanks to the scattering of light, essentially hiding whatever is behind the smart glass)
Glare reduction (again thanks to the scattering effect)
Reduction of the carbon footprint of the building thanks to the solar control, which reduces HVAC needs, both in summer and in winter
Reduced colour fading of interior furnishings and artworks, thanks to the rejection of UV
Creative marketing, since when the PDLC smart glass is off, the scattering effect creates a screen upon which you can project images.
Are PDLCs only available as artificial materials?
Not at all; common examples of natural occurrences of liquid crystals include proteins, soaps, detergents, and even some types of clay.
What is smart glass comprised?
Smart glass is a laminated glass comprising 2pcs of glass sandwiched in between by an EVA/PVB interlayer.