Synthesis and characterization of poly(cyclohexylthioacrylate) (PCTA) with high refractive index and low birefringence for optical applications

Abstract

In this study, a new development in thermoplastics was examined: a poly(cyclohexylthioacrylate) containing a sulfur atom in a polymer chain with a high refractive index. The poly(cyclohexylthioacrylate) was synthesized by the free radical polymerization of cyclohexylthioacrylate. Transparent polymer films, fabricated by spin-coating from the polymer solution, exhibited a high refractive index of 1.55244 at 637 nm and low birefringence of 0.0001. The thermal decomposition temperature (T (d) ) of the polymer was in the range of 355-363 A degrees C, which indicates good thermal stability, while its glass transition temperature was 65 A degrees C.