Micro-encapsulated Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Recovery via Solvent and Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and environmental impact of cholesteric liquid crystal waste in flexible displays, coupled with the challenge of reusing micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals due to their deterioration over time, necessitate an efficient method for recycling these materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a solvent at 40° C. to 60° C. to separate micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals from a deteriorated display medium, followed by a centrifugal process to recover the cholesteric liquid crystals, which can then be reused without damaging the shell, and reprocessed to maintain or modulate their photoelectric properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals are used in flexible displays, then display flexibility and area are improved, but material cost and environmental impact worsen due to expensive material and waste generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recycling process that recovers micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals from deteriorated display medium materials. The process involves mixing the deteriorated material with a solvent at 40-60°C to dissolve the dispersant, then using centrifugal separation to recover the micro-encapsulated liquid crystals. The recovered material is dried and can be reused, directly addressing the material waste problem while reducing environmental impact.
2Loss of substance
If micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals are reused, then material cost is reduced, but the shell may be damaged during the recycling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the temperature parameter during the recycling process, specifying that the solvent mixture should be maintained at 40-60°C. This temperature range is high enough to effectively dissolve the dispersant but low enough to prevent damage to the micro-encapsulated liquid crystal shells. The controlled temperature parameter change enables successful recovery while maintaining shell integrity.
3Productivity
If centrifugal separation is used to recover micro-encapsulated liquid crystals, then separation efficiency is improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary substance that dissolves the dispersant in the deteriorated display medium. This creates a liquid mixture where the micro-encapsulated liquid crystals can be easily separated from the dissolved dispersant through centrifugal action. The solvent acts as a mediator that facilitates the separation process, making it more efficient while keeping the overall process relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the effective reuse of micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals, preserving their properties and reducing material costs while addressing environmental concerns by recycling the cholesteric liquid crystals, thereby enhancing the photoelectric performance of the reused materials.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the display medium material with a solvent to form a mixture
Implementation Method 2
performing a centrifugal process to the mixture for separating the micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal and the dispersant
Implementation Method 3
the mixture has a temperature of between 40° C. and 60° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reusing micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystals is provided. The method includes providing a display medium material containing a micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal and a dispersant. The display medium material is mixed with a solvent to form a mixture having a temperature of between 40° C. and 60° C. A centrifugal process is performed to the mixture for separating the micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal and the dispersant. Then, the dispersant and the solvent are removed to obtain the micro-encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal.