Effects of varying time and angle of unpolarized UV exposure on the surface tension and on the generated pretilt angle of rubbed polyimide films
Abstract
Rubbed polyimide (PI) films were exposed to unpolarized ultraviolet (UV) light in varying exposure time and angles. The surface tension and the generated pretilt angle on the surface of the films were measured to understand their dependence on these two parameters. The surface tension was calculated from contact angle measurements using Young's equation and Berthelot's combining rule. Results from varying UV curing time verified that the pretilt angle and the surface tension are inversely proportional with each other. Results also showed that the degree of unevenness of the distribution of the pretilt angles is proportional with the angle of exposure. Exposure to UV light changes the composition and the polarity of the alignment layer (PI), which in turn affects the surface tension and the generated pretilt angle.