Synthesis and study of optical properties of copolymers of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether)

Abstract

Polymerization under ultrahigh pressure without involvement of initiators was used to synthesize amorphous copolymers of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether). The copolymers have molecular masses within 2•104—7•104 au, possess high optical transparency in the telecom ranges of wavelength at 0.85, 1.3, and 1.5 μm and very low refractive index n = 1.293—1.314 at the wavelength λ = 632.8 nm. They can form films and are promising as claddings for optical fibers and waveguides. Amorphous films with the thickness of 1—4 μm were prepared by spin-coating from solutions of the perfluorinated copolymers in perfluorodecalin.