A PDLC film is about 0.3–0.4 mm thick and consists of a sandwich of layers:
Protective liner / adhesive layer (optional)OCA adhesive + liner
PET carrier± 125–175 µm
Conductive layer (ITO)transparent electrode
PDLC layer: LC droplets in polymer± 15–25 µm
Conductive layer (ITO)transparent electrode
PET carrier± 125–175 µm
ITO (indium tin oxide) is the same transparent conductor used in touchscreens. At the edge, the ITO layer is exposed and fitted with a busbar (copper strip with conductive adhesive or solder) to which the wires are connected. The PDLC layer itself is usually made by pouring a mixture of liquid crystal and liquid monomer between the films and curing it with UV light; during curing the crystal separates into droplets (polymerisation-induced phase separation). [5][7]