POLYPHOSPHAZENES WITH HIGH REFRACTIVE-INDEXES - SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND OPTICAL-PROPERTIES

This work was carried out in order to demonstrate that polymers with t unable, high refractive index values can be designed and synthesized t o fit a variety of optical applications. A series of polyphosphazenes bearing conjugated, organic side groups were synthesized and their ref ractive indices were measured. Refractive index values ranging from 1. 60 to 1.75 were obtained. A systematic approach to tailoring various p olymer properties such as refractive index, optical absorption, solubi lity, and glass transition temperature was utilized in the synthesis o f these polymers. Control over the extent of conjugation of the side g roup, side group molecular symmetry, and the use of a molecular spacer group were employed to achieve this goal. These polymers can be cast from solution and used in applications that require optically transpar ent films.