Abstract

The invention provides an In situ polymerization process which does not require the use of polymerization initiators or solvents for obtaining an electro-optical apparatus wherein a compound having a polymerizable group, preferably an acrylate or methacrylate, is introduced into a cell formed of 1 to 100 microns thick, wherein said compound having a polymerizable group is maintained at a temperature which is above its melting temperature, and a direct current electric field is applied of at least 2.5 V/mum and for a time ranging between 5 minutes and 24 hours until the polymerization of the compound with the polymerizable group is achieved, an then cooled down to room temperature and removing the applied field. Also the polymer that is obtained from the in situ polymerization is provided, as well as the electro-optical apparatus containing the polymer which is obtained after the in situ polymerization process and the use of the electro-optic apparatus wherein the apparatus works as a polarizer, as a pixel in a liquid crystal display and as a ferroelectric, magnetic, piezoelectric or pyroelectric sensor.