A NOVEL THERMOSET POLYMER OPTICAL-FIBER

Polymer optical fibers are being investigated with a view to overcomin g some of the disadvantages of glass optical fibers in communications applications. Dense cross-linked polymers, such as the polyisocyanurat e discussed here (see figure), have been found to be superior in some respects to the thermoplastic polymers used today. Details are given o f the fabrication of a polyisocyanurate network using a rare-earth com plex as a catalyst.