Methods for producing multiphase polymer-based films in a single curing step and films and devices produced using the methods

Methods for producing multiphase polymer-based films (e.g., polymer-dispersed liq. crystal films) polymg. monomer in the presence of a nonreactive liq. crystal and a dichroic photoinitiator are described in which the polymn. is initiated by the use of linearly polarized light and the initial mixt. is cholesteric before polymn. Multiphase polymer-based films obtainable by the methods and wide- or narrow-band reflectors, displays, switches, or sunscreens comprising the films are also described. [on SciFinder (R)]