Copolymerization Of Ethylene Research Articles

Evaluation of solvent releases from microfluidic devices made of cycloolefin polymer by temperature-desorption mass spectrometry

Microfluidic devices have been used in various biological experiments. The working temperature of the devices spans a wide range (approximately 23 °C–95 °C). Among thermoplastic materials, cyclo olefin polymers (COPs) are promising materials for microfluidic devices. This is because COP can overcome the well-known disadvantages of polydimethylsiloxane, a commonly used material, and have the advantage of better observability than polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate. However, most COP-based devices are fabricated using solvents and adhesives during the bonding process. These solvents, which are known to affect biological experiments, may remain in the device and be released during the experiments. It is necessary to investigate whether solvents are actually released and, if so, how they are released. Here we introduce thermal desorption spectroscopy as a simple and quantitative method to observe solvent release from solvent-bonded and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-bonded products. Solvents are released from the solvent-bonded product at 31.5 °C, suggesting that it may have negative effects on various biological experiments. On the other hand, the VUV-bonded product releases solvents (cyclohexane and toluene), which are used during olefin polymerization in the synthesis process of COP, at temperatures above 84 °C. Therefore, the experiments conduct below 84 °C (e.g. in situ hybridization, reverse transcription (RT) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification) were not affected. In addition, the amount of solvent released above 84 °C is small (1/548–1/913 of the solvent-bound product), so it is expected that the extent of the effect on experiments conducted above 84 °C (RT and polymerase chain reaction) is small, if there is any. We conclude that solvent-bound devices can have undesirable effects in many biological applications, not just cell culture. We believe that evaluating solvent release from devices is important for the development of new devices in the future.

Optimizing the removal of calcium and magnesium from synthetic reverse osmosis concentrate using functional polyketones: A combined experimental and machine learning approach

In this study, we synthesized functional polyketones (FPKs) for removing scaling ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) from synthetic reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) and optimized the adsorption processes using experimental and machine learning (ML) techniques, including gene expression programming (GEP) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) modeling. PK30 (a copolymer of ethylene and propylene with carbon monoxide) was reacted with four different amines, including 1,2-diaminopropane (DAP), 1-(2-aminoethyl) piperazine (AEP), butylamine (BA), and 1-(3-aminopropyl) imidazole (API), to produce FPKs. The effects of various factors, such as the amount of FPKs, synthetic ROC concentration, and pH, were investigated to optimize the removal of scaling ions from the synthetic ROC using novel GEP and MLP ML models. The experimental results revealed that Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions might be adsorbed primarily via the chelating mechanism. Increasing FPKs amounts and higher pH levels improved the adsorption process, with even low concentrations of FPKs demonstrating enhanced adsorption. The adsorption of the scaling ions followed the order API > AEP > BA > DAP, with removal percentages of 88.9, 87.3, 83.7, and 83.0 %, respectively. The MLP model outperformed the GEP model in optimizing Ca2+ and Mg2+ adsorption from the synthetic ROC and produced favorable results for all selected amines by determining the input-output relationship for the testing dataset with R2 = 0.806, 0.759, 0.760, and 0.878 for AEP, DAP, API, and BA, respectively. Overall, this study provides a viable solution for the pretreatment of ROC to remove scaling ions, which can improve the performance of zero liquid discharge systems by decreasing energy consumption.

Deciphering the Olefin Isomerization-Polymerization Paradox of Palladium(II) Diimine Catalysts: Discovery of Simultaneous and Independent Pathways of Olefin Isomerization and Living Polymerization

This work elucidates a long-standing unexplained paradox commonly observed within the polymerization of α-olefin using palladium (Pd)(II)-diimine catalysts, in which isomerization and living polymerization of α-olefins are both observed. With a classical mechanistic understanding of these complexes, this behavior is often dismissed and interpreted as experimental error. Herein, we present a comprehensive mechanistic investigation into this phenomenon that supports the existence of a novel mechanistic pathway for Pd(II)-diimine complexes. Part one of the mechanistic study lays the foundation of the proposed mechanism, in which neutral Pd(II)-diimine complexes were found to exhibit a moderate to good catalytic activity for olefin isomerization of α-olefins despite the established notion that catalyst activation is required. Extensive experimental and computational studies reveal the possibility of a partial dissociation of the diimine ligand, which frees up one coordination site and enables coordination-insertion. This finding is significant as the coexistence of two reactive coordination sites at the palladium center becomes a valid proposal for the activated cationic Pd(II)-diimine complexes. In part two, we examined and validated the simultaneously observed α-olefin isomerization and living polymerization using the cationic Pd(II)-diimine catalyst, which supports the presence of two independent reaction pathways of isomerization and polymerization, respectively. Moreover, the addition of a strong Lewis acid, such as AlCl3, accelerates the ligand dissociation and the consequential isomerization as it weakens the palladium-nitrogen bond through competitive binding. In part three, Lewis acid-triggered olefin isomerization-polymerization is employed to prepare living olefinic block copolymers and further synthesize novel polyolefin-polar block copolymers with unique architectures, distinct levels of branching, crystallinity, and polar functionality in a one-pot manner.

Copolymerization of Ethylene with Alpha-Olefins over Supported Titanium–Magnesium Catalysts Containing Titanium Compounds in Different Oxidation and Coordination States

Data were obtained on the copolymerization of ethylene with α-olefins over supported titanium–magnesium catalysts (TMC) prepared on the same magnesium dichloride support but differing in the composition and oxidation state of titanium. The copolymerization kinetics of ethylene with 1-hexene over TMC of different compositions were studied. Data on the composition of the produced ethylene–1-hexene copolymers, their molecular weight distribution, thermophysical characteristics, and branching distribution were presented. The constants of ethylene–1-hexene copolymerization over catalysts with different compositions were calculated. The TMC containing only Ti(II) compounds as the active component exhibited increased copolymerizing ability compared to the conventional TiCl4/MgCl2 catalyst containing Ti(III) compounds as the active component. In addition, TMC with Ti(II) as an active component produces copolymers with a more uniform branching distribution. It was shown that the TMC containing isolated Ti(II) ions could be used to produce X-ray amorphous ethylene-propylene elastomers with a high yield.

Seal materials in flexible plastic food packaging: A review

AbstractFlexible packaging has many advantages in the food industry, arising from low weight, formability, multilayer complexity and cost. Heat sealing is a very efficient technique to close flexible food packaging. Currently, many thermoplastic materials are used in seal layers. A seal can be formed when these materials are heated and brought into contact; thereafter, polymer chains diffuse across the seal interface and entangle. Hydrogen bonds, polar and ionic interactions are molecular forces that can come into play, depending on the thermoplastic materials that are used in the seal layer. Bonds between identical polymers, referred to as autohesion, are formed in pouch applications (e.g., horizontal and vertical form‐fill‐seal packages). In lidding applications, the flexible film is sealed to a rigid cup, tray or bottle, whereby bonds can be formed between non‐identical polymers because the materials are often provided by different suppliers. All heat seal technologies imply heating of seal layers but differ in the heating principle. In the food industry and in most scientific seal studies, the seals of mono‐ and multilayered packaging are mainly formed by conductive heating. Recently, the use of emerging technologies, such as ultrasonic and laser heating, is increasingly described in recent papers. Applied seals are characterized by strength after a specified cooling time. Immediately after heating, this strength is referred to as hot tack. A good seal performance is crucial to guarantee food safety and quality. Besides strength, tightness is important to prevent food degradation, caused by microorganisms and external gases, and to keep aromatic gases inside the package. This review aims to give a literature overview that can support stakeholders in the food industry to improve and optimize the material selection in flexible packaging, in order to obtain seals with desired tightness and strength. Heat seal studies on materials and seal technology of flexible food packaging, such as pouches and lidding films, are considered. Scientific data are categorized from a materials' perspective, based on chemical structure, which is revealed by chemical and thermal analysis. A majority of the seal studies is categorized in a first section on polyolefins as seal layers. The following sections describe the seal functionality of (i) ethylene copolymers, such as ionomers; and (ii) polyesters, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), pol (lactic acid) and poly (butylene succinate). The role of plasticizers, fillers and other additives in the seal performance is also described. Finally, material properties, such as chain length and melting temperature (Tm), as underlying causes of seal performance, are summarized.

Flexible, Heat-Durable, and Highly Sensitive Piezoelectrets from Cyclic Olefin Copolymer with Microhoneycomb Structure.

This paper discusses the fabrication and characterization of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)-based pseudo-piezoelectric materials (piezoelectrets) with exceptionally high piezoelectric activity, and their potential use in sensing applications. Piezoelectrets that utilize a novel microhoneycomb structure to achieve high piezoelectric sensitivity are carefully engineered and fabricated at a low temperature using a supercritical CO2-assisted assembly. The quasistatic piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the material can reach up to 12,900 pCN-1 when charged at 8000 V. The materials also exhibit excellent thermal stability. The charge build-up in the materials and the actuation behavior of the materials are also investigated. Finally, applications of these materials in pressure sensing and mapping and in wearable sensing are demonstrated.

Heterogenization of nickel catalysts with ionic liquid‐modified supports for ethylene polymerization and copolymerization

AbstractThe preparation of heterogeneous catalysts by loading homogeneous metal complexes on the supports is an effective strategy preferred by the polyolefin industry. In this contribution, we synthesize a series of heterogeneous nickel catalysts using the supporting strategy of ionic liquid‐modified supports. These supported catalysts have polymerization activities up to 1.68 × 107 g mol−1 h−1, polymer molecular weights up to 224.1 × 104 g mol−1, and significantly, higher melting points compared to homogeneous systems. The polyolefin materials prepared by this supporting strategy possess a wide range of tunable mechanical properties, from thermoplastics to elastomers. These heterogeneous nickel catalysts can catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene and methyl 10‐undecenoate.

Fabrication of highly-oriented β-Ga2O3 thin film on ZnO/AlO x -buffered cyclo-olefin polymer substrate by excimer laser annealing at room temperature

The fabrication of highly-oriented β-Ga2O3 thin films on cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) substrates with oxide-buffer layers of amorphous AlO x and c-axis-oriented crystalline ZnO by excimer laser annealing at RT was investigated. An amorphous GaO x thin film deposited on a COP substrate by pulsed laser deposition at RT was irradiated with a pulsed KrF excimer laser from the film surface at RT in air. X-ray diffraction, reflection-high-energy-electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission-electron microscopy results revealed solid-state crystallization of the uniaxial-oriented β-Ga2O3 (01) thin film on the ZnO/AlO x -buffered COP substrate. The obtained β-Ga2O3 thin film exhibited green-, blue-, and UV-band cathode-luminescence.

Relationship between Adsorption and Toxicity of Nephrotoxic Drugs in Microphysiological Systems (MPS).

Microphysiological systems (MPS) are an emerging technology for next-generation drug screening in non-clinical tests. Microphysiological systems are microfluidic devices that reconstitute the physiological functions of a human organ using a three-dimensional in vivo-mimicking microenvironment. In the future, MPSs are expected to reduce the number of animal experiments, improve prediction methods for drug efficacy in clinical settings, and reduce the costs of drug discovery. However, drug adsorption onto the polymers used in an MPS is a critical issue for assessment because it changes the concentration of the drug. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a basic material used for the fabrication of MPS, strongly adsorbs hydrophobic drugs. As a substitute for PDMS, cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) has emerged as an attractive material for low-adsorption MPS. However, it has difficulty bonding with different materials and, therefore, is not commonly used. In this study, we assessed the drug adsorption properties of each material constituting an MPS and subsequent changes in drug toxicity for the development of a low-adsorption MPSs using COP. The hydrophobic drug cyclosporine A showed an affinity for PDMS and induced lower cytotoxicity in PDMS-MPS but not in COP-MPS, whereas adhesive tapes used for bonding adsorbed a significant quantity of drugs, lowering their availability, and was cytotoxic. Therefore, easily-adsorbed hydrophobic drugs and bonding materials having lower cytotoxicity should be used with a low-adsorption polymer such as COP.

Outer‐Shell Self‐Supported Nickel Catalysts for the Synthesis of Polyolefin Composites

AbstractIn situ heterogeneous olefin polymerization has attracted much attention for the synthesis of polyolefin composites. However, the complicated syntheses of specially designed catalysts or the detrimental effects of interactions between catalyst and solid supports pose great challenges. In this contribution, an outer‐shell self‐supporting strategy was designed to heterogenize nickel catalysts on different fillers via precipitation homopolymerization of ionic cluster type polar monomer. These catalysts demonstrated high activity, good product morphology control, and stable performances in ethylene polymerization and copolymerization. Moreover, various polyolefin composites with great mechanical and customized properties can be efficiently synthesized.

Outer-Shell Self-Supported Nickel Catalysts for the Synthesis of Polyolefin Composites.

In situ heterogeneous olefin polymerization has attracted much attention for the synthesis of polyolefin composites. However, the complicated syntheses of specially designed catalysts or the detrimental effects of interactions between catalyst and solid supports pose great challenges. In this contribution, an outer-shell self-supporting strategy was designed to heterogenize nickel catalysts on different fillers via precipitation homopolymerization of ionic cluster type polar monomer. These catalysts demonstrated high activity, good product morphology control, and stable performances in ethylene polymerization and copolymerization. Moreover, various polyolefin composites with great mechanical and customized properties can be efficiently synthesized.

Analysis of the aging and stabilization processes in cyclic polyolefins containing various natural or synthetic stabilizers

The aim of this research was to perform a new evaluation of stabilizers dedicated to ethylene-norbornene copolymer (EN). The aging and stabilization processes of the EN polymer filled with natural (xanthone, naringenin) or synthetic (Rianox 626, Rianox 1726, Rianox 3114) antioxidants with different chemical structure were thoroughly analyzed and the suitability of the methods described in the literature to study these processes was assessed. EN is successfully used in optics, electronics or packaging sectors, but like any other organic material, it will degrade under the influence of environmental factors. The EN films were subjected to thermo- and photooxidation for 150, 300, 450, and 600 h. We observed that all composites exhibited an excellent resistance to thermo-oxidation, but as expected, much greater differences were noted after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The performed tests: thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, contact angles determination, color change measurements, static and dynamical mechanical tests proved the high effectiveness of the used antioxidants for the EN stabilization. However, in the case of the EN-xanthone sample, during the FTIR analysis, a higher value of the carbonyl index in comparison with the reference EN was obtained, and a greater change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to the other used stabilizers was observed. These changes could be caused by xanthone oxidation on the polymer surface and its plasticization because of aging, as evidenced by the increased Tg value. In addition, we also discussed possible stabilization mechanisms of EN through the use of selected antioxidants. Interestingly, based on the obtained results, Rianox 626 containing phosphite groups in its structure turned out to be the most effective stabilizer for the ethylene-norbornene copolymer, even though it is a secondary antioxidant. It can therefore be suggested that the propagation stage plays a leading role in the degradation of this polymer, in which antioxidants decompose hydroperoxides. In the case of Rianox 626, phosphite groups reacted with hydroperoxides, thus creating the phosphate form of this stabilizer and alcohols, which are more stable and non-radical products.

Amine-Imine Nickel Catalysts with Pendant O-Donor Groups for Ethylene (Co)Polymerization.

The introduction of a secondary interaction is an efficient strategy to modulate transition-metal-catalyzed ethylene (co)polymerization. In this contribution, O-donor groups were suspended on amine-imine ligands to synthesize a series of nickel complexes. By adjusting the interaction between the nickel metal center and the O-donor group on the ligands, these nickel complexes exhibited high activities for ethylene polymerization (up to 3.48 × 106 gPE·molNi-1·h-1) with high molecular weight up to 5.59 × 105 g·mol-1 and produced good polyethylene elastomers (strain recovery (SR) = 69-81%). In addition, these nickel complexes can catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene with vinyl acetic acid, 6-chloro-1-hexene, 10-undecylenic, 10-undecenoic acid, and 10-undecylenic alcohol to prepare the functionalized polyolefins.

Comparison of Ethylene Copolymerization with Norbornene and 5‐Norbornene‐2‐methanol by Using Ph2C(Cp)(Flu)ZrCl2/MAO

AbstractBoth cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and functionalized polyolefins are high‐performance polyolefin materials with different outstanding properties. The introduction of functional groups into COC has the potential to yield materials that combine the advantages of both. In this work, ethylene copolymers with norbornene (NBE) or 5‐norbornene‐2‐methanol (NBMO) are synthesized by using a metallocene catalyst. The activity and the molecular weight of copolymer of the former is much higher than that of the latter. A joint deactivation‐chain transfer mechanism is proposed to interpret these observations. Chain transfer is further discussed. Through regression analysis, it is considered that the chain transfer mode of the two comonomers is the same. Three methods for the calculation of NBMO incorporation are proposed and compared, and a more suitable method is obtained, on the basis of the resonance assignment. The comparison of the copolymerization of ethylene with NBE and NBMO may indicate that NBMO has a higher coordination probability but a slower insertion rate compared to NBE.

Proximity-Driven Synergic Copolymerization of Ethylene and Polar Monomers

Coordination copolymerization of ethylene and polar monomers is a promising strategy for preparing structurally well-defined functional polyolefin. However, the poisonous effect of polar groups on employed catalysts is the main obstacle to be overcome. To mimic the synergistic catalysis of multinuclear metal compounds in nature, herein, we report the copolymerization of ethylene with a series of unprotected polar monomers containing oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms using binuclear half-sandwich scandium complexes C1-Sc2 and C2-Sc2 bearing −CH2– and −CH2CH2– linkers, respectively. In the copolymerization of ethylene and para-methoxystyrene (pMOS), C1-Sc2 and C2-Sc2 exhibit 13 and 7 times greater activities, respectively, than the mononuclear analogue Sc1. For the polar olefins having a butylene spacer, the activities follow the trend C1-Sc2 > C2-Sc2 > Sc1, whereas for the polar olefins that are shorter or longer than the butylene spacer, C2-Sc2 shows the highest activity. Moreover, the synergic effects and the cooperative mechanism for ethylene and pMOS copolymerization with C1-Sc2 were supported by DFT calculations.

Efficient Copolymerization of Ethylene with Polar Divinyl Monomer by Phosphino‐Phenolate Nickel Catalyst†

Comprehensive SummaryDirect copolymerization of olefin with polar monomers via a coordination‐insertion mechanism appears as the most efficient and attractive method to prepare functionalized polyolefins. Herein, we carried out direct copolymerization of ethylene and allyl acrylate by a bulky phosphino‐phenolate nickel catalyst, in which high‐molecular‐weight copolymers bearing polar five‐membered and six‐membered ring structures were afforded. Comprehensive NMR and FT‐IR analyses revealed multiplex structure of the obtained copolymers, in which both the noncyclic structural units bearing pendant allyl moiety (A) as well as acrylate moiety (B) and the cyclic structural units, γ‐butyrolactones (C) and δ‐valerolactone (D) were found. Exhilaratingly, the content of different structural units of the produced copolymer could be tuned by adjusting the concentration of the comonomer. Moreover, we also proved that the nickel‐based catalyst could produce related copolymers with significantly enhanced copolymer molecular weights in the copolymerization of allyl acrylate and ethylene compared with the palladium‐based catalyst under the same conditions.

Laminated Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Foil by Pulsed Laser Deposition

A cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is a thermoplastic polymer endowed with glass-like optical transparency, unique biocompatibility, low autofluorescence, good chemical stability, and excellent water vapor barriers. COC is a promising new material for optics, medical devices, nanotechnology, and microelectronics. The applicability of the COC depends on its modification through different techniques from plasma treatment to lithography. Presently, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is employed to deposit an aluminum thin film on selected areas of the COC surface. The study of the wettability, morphology, composition, and optical characteristics of both pristine and modified COC has been evaluated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, the sessile drop method, and UV/ViS optical spectroscopy. The prospective recycling of the COC deposited by PLD is proposed.

Production of Silver Nano-Inks and Surface Coatings for Anti-Microbial Food Packaging and Its Ecological Impact

Food spoilage is an ongoing global issue that contributes to rising carbon dioxide emissions and increased demand for food processing. This work developed anti-bacterial coatings utilising inkjet printing of silver nano-inks onto food-grade polymer packaging, with the potential to enhance food safety and reduce food spoilage. Silver nano-inks were synthesised via laser ablation synthesis in solution (LaSiS) and ultrasound pyrolysis (USP). The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced using LaSiS and USP were characterised using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The laser ablation technique, operated under recirculation mode, produced nanoparticles with a small size distribution with an average diameter ranging from 7-30 nm. Silver nano-ink was synthesised by blending isopropanol with nanoparticles dispersed in deionised water. The silver nano-inks were printed on plasma-cleaned cyclo-olefin polymer. Irrespective of the production methods, all silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli with a zone of inhibition exceeding 6 mm. Furthermore, silver nano-inks printed cyclo-olefin polymer reduced the bacterial cell population from 1235 (±45) × 106 cell/mL to 960 (±110) × 106 cell/mL. The bactericidal performance of silver-coated polymer was comparable to that of the penicillin-coated polymer, wherein a reduction in bacterial population from 1235 (±45) × 106 cell/mL to 830 (±70) × 106 cell/mL was observed. Finally, the ecotoxicity of the silver nano-ink printed cyclo-olefin polymer was tested with daphniids, a species of water flea, to simulate the release of coated packaging into a freshwater environment.

Thermodynamic Interactions in Polydiene/Polyolefin Blends Containing Diverse Polydiene and Polyolefin Units

Thermodynamic interactions were investigated in blends of melts containing 1,4-polyisoprene (1,4-PI) and copolymers of 1,2-polybutadiene (1,2-PBD), poly(ethyl ethylene) (PEE), and/or polyethylene (PE) units. Specifically, two classes of blends were examined: one contained the polydiene 1,4-PI and a diene-olefin copolymer of 1,2-PBD and PEE units (1,2-PBD-co-PEE, with the PEE volume fraction varying from 0 to 1), and the other contained 1,4-PI and a fully olefinic copolymer of PE and PEE units (PE-co-PEE, with the PEE volume fraction varying from 0.05 to 1). The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, χ, was measured using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) for homogeneous blends at or close to their critical compositions. SANS data were analyzed through the Zimm method and fitting of the random phase approximation model to extract χ(T). Random copolymer theory (RCT) was applied to understand the resulting χ(T) behavior. In 1,2-PBD-co-PEE/1,4-PI blends, predictions using the RCT model showed excellent agreement with the measured χ(T), indicating the presence of random mixing and dominance of dispersive forces in these blends. By contrast, RCT failed to describe the χ(T) behavior in PE-co-PEE/1,4-PI blends. The PE-co-PEE/1,4-PI blends were further examined using lattice cluster theory and solubility parameter formalism, yet neither approach could explain the χ(T) behavior. The locally correlated lattice model, which correlates the equation of state properties with the polymer blend miscibility, was found to reasonably describe the phase behavior of PE-co-PEE/1,4-PI blends.

Cyclic Olefin Terpolymers with High Refractive Index and High Optical Transparency.

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is one of the most promising optical materials; however, the brittle COC suffers from issues including a low refractive index. In this contribution, by the introduction of high refractive index comonomers including phenoxy substituted α-olefin (C4OAr), p-tolylthio substituted α-olefin (C4SAr) and carbazolyl substituted α-olefins (C4NAr, C3NAr, and C2NAr), the zirconocene mediated terpolymerization of ethylene (E) and tetracyclododecene (TCD) produces the preferred E-TCD-CnNAr (n = 2, 3, and 4) cyclic olefin terpolymers (COT) with tunable compositions (TCD: 11.5- 35.8 mol %, CnNAr: 1.2-5.0 mol %), high molecular weights and high glass transition temperatures (up to 167 °C) in high catalytic activities. Compared to the E-TCD copolymer (COC) material, these COT materials show the comparable thermal decomposition temperature (Td,5% = 437 °C), slightly higher strain at break value (up to 7.4%) and higher tensile strength (up to 60.5 MPa). In particular, these noncrystalline optical COT materials have significantly higher refractive indices of 1.550-1.569 and are more transparent (transmittance: 93-95%), relative to the COC materials, indicative of an excellent optical material.