Synthesis, characterization and property studies of Pb2+-containing optical resins

Lead dimethacrylate (Pb(MA)(2)) was synthesized and copolymerized with styr ene and methacrylic acid, and optical resins containing the heavy-metal ion , Pb2+, were obtained. The monomer-solubility phase diagrams and polymer-tr ansparency phase diagrams were determined and discussed in detail. This ser ies of metal-containing resins possessed good visible light transparency, h igh refractive index, and good thermal stability. The relationship between the refractive index (n(D)), Abbe number (v(D)), heat resistance, radiation shielding properties, and the content of metal salts in optical resins wer e investigated. The results indicated that adding of metal Pb2+ into the op tical resins not only exhibited high absorption for X-ray with good visible light transparency, but could also improve the glass transition temperatur e and refractive index of polymer materials. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.