Molecular Structure and Properties of Sulfur‐Containing High Refractive Index Polymer Optical Materials

Abstract

High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) are widely used in lenses, waveguide, antireflective layer and encapsulators, especially the advanced fields of augmented/virtual reality (AR / VR) holographic technology and photoresist for chip manufacturing. In order to meet the needs of different applications, the development of HRIPs focuses not only on the increase in refractive index but also on the balance of other properties. Sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers have received extensive attention from researchers due to their excellent properties. In recent years, not only ultra‐high refractive index sulfur‐containing polymers have been continuously developed, but also low dispersion, low birefringence, high transparency, good mechanical properties and machinability have been studied. The design of HRIPs is generally based on formulas and existing experience. In fact, molecular structure and properties are closely related. Mastering the structure‐property relationship helps researchers to develop high refractive index polymer materials with balanced properties. This review briefly introduces the preparation methods of sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers, and summarizes the structure‐property relationship between the sulfur‐containing molecular structure and optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, etc. Finally, the important role of synergistic effect in the synthesis of HRIPs and the prospect of future research on HRIPs are proposed.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Cobalt-Catalyzed Cascade C–H Activation/Annulation Polymerizations toward Diversified and Multifunctional Sulfur-Containing Fused Heterocyclic Polymers

“…Polymer materials with high and tunable refractive index ( n ) are in great demand due to their wide variety of applications in the fabrication of advanced optoelectronic devices. ,− Theoretically, the presence of atoms or groups with high molar refractions and low molar volumes, such as polarized aromatic rings, large π-conjugated backbones, sulfur atoms, and other heteroatoms, in polymer structures is conducive to achieving high n values. , Therefore, the present SFH polymers are anticipated to be a new group of high- n polymers. Moreover, the postmodifiability and photosensitivity of the SFH polymers might endow them with good tunability in light refractive properties.…”

A Comprehensive Exploration of Polysulfides, From Synthesis Techniques to Diverse Applications and Future Frontiers

“…114,115 However, they show high refractive indices and slight optical losses. 116,117 High-refractive-index polymers show their unique characteristics: high impact resistance, light weight, high optical density, ease to convert into lenses or films, 118 and transparency. Organic polymers are mainly studied, as poly(styrene) shows the range of refractive indices in the visible region.…”

“…Infrared optical technology has been widely discussed, especially in the military and medicines, to detect and analyze radiation behavior in different conditions and digitally provide an image to characterize. Previously, inorganic semiconductors like silicon or germanium were used for IR imaging, but their use is minimal due to very high fabrication cost and toxicity. , However, they show high refractive indices and slight optical losses. , High-refractive-index polymers show their unique characteristics: high impact resistance, light weight, high optical density, ease to convert into lenses or films, and transparency. Organic polymers are mainly studied, as poly­(styrene) shows the range of refractive indices in the visible region.…”

Metal-catalyzed copolymerizations of epoxides and carbon disulfide for high-refractive index low absorbance adhesives and plastics

“…Polymerization strategies for affording high refractive index polymers primarily focus on propagation of monomers such as bromo-styrene, carbazole, and/or sulfur atom-containing moieties (Liu and Ueda, 2009;Zhou et al, 2023). Epoxides are abundant, lowcost monomers that serve as feedstocks for polyol precursors to polyurethane adhesives and plastics.…”