Study on Electrical Characteristics of Chloromethylated Polyimide

The electrical performances of liquid crystal (LC) cells with chloromethylated polyimide (CMPI) alignment layers were investigated. The CMPI layer was previously reported as a multifunctional layer that does role of LC alignment and planarization layer as well as photo-alignment material with high photosensitivity and excellent thermal stability. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of LC cells with CMPI alignment layers were measured. Mechanical rubbing of the CMPI layer did not generate much difference in residual DC when compared to commercial PI. However, the LC cell with photo-oxidation CMPI layer shows a high residual DC value and a corresponding low voltage holding ratio (VHR) due to the photo-induced ionic charges on the alignment layer.