Interactions of thermochromic liquid crystals with surface-modified PET substrates for thermal sensing applications

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how surface modifications of PET substrates affect the thermochromic behaviors of cholesteric liquid crystals.
• Examined shear-induced and thermally-driven alignment of cholesteric liquid crystals.
• Utilized hydrophobic treatments to modify surface properties of PET substrates.
• Analyzed thermochromic response of liquid crystals on modified substrates.
• Hydrophobic treatment led to increased thermochromic response by reducing ink spreading.
• Both shear-induced and thermal alignments were found to contribute to the liquid crystal behavior.