Delicate Modification of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Ultrathin Film by Low-Energy Ion Beam Treatment for Durable Intermediate Liquid Crystal Pretilt Angles

Long-term stability of intermediate liquid crystal pretilt angles on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) ultrathin film crafted onto a surface was realized simply and easily via low-energy ion beam ()B) treatment. The composition and surface energy of the thin film could be controller) by varying the low-energy 113 treatment. This treatment results in the permanent chemical modification of the film surface, converting it from organic PDMS to a mixed layer of organic PDMS and inorganic silica. The partial transformation of it PDMS surface gives rise to the control of the pretilt angle via the formation of the inhomogeneous surface and the stabilization of the pretilt angle via the cross-linking reaction of broken chemical bonds through 1 B irradiation. As a result, a continuous variation of pretilt angles that maintained their initial value with long-term stability was obtained. Thus, the unique chemical transformation of the PDMS surface using IB treatment may allow for the production of durable intermediate liquid crystal pretilt angles.