Optical fibers with polyimide coatings for medical applications

Abstract

Key properties of polyimide-coated optical fibers, unaged and exposed to various harsh environments, were investigated. The main intent was to model extreme conditions that can be encountered in medical applications of the fibers. A fiber designed by OFS showed good strength and was able to withstand exposure to extreme heat and humidity, multiple autoclave cycles, extended water soak and immersion in organic solvents. Similar fibers offered by other suppliers displayed shortcomings in some of the tested properties.

In situ synthesis of copolymers based on polyvinylpyrrolidone and condensation polymers and their use as optical fiber coatings

“…One solution is to use coatings from PIs which also conventionally apply to harsh environmental conditions (e.g. oil and gas, nuclear, medical, and aerospace applications) [4,5]. The technology PI's coatings formation includes utilization of poly(amic acid) precursor which poses a problem of incomplete imidization [6] and subsequent stability of the final coating.…”

The influence of organosoluble (co)polyimides side functionalization and drawing parameters on the optical fibre coatings formation and properties

“…Due to combination of excellent properties, such as thermal stability (from À196 C to 300 C and higher) and mechanical parameters, polyimide (PI) films are widely used in electronics, high-temperature fuel cells, displays, separation technology, sensors and optical fibre coatings as well. [1][2][3][4][5][6] These circumstances caused undoubted advantages of PI coatings as the optical fibre coatings over the conventional polyacrylates and other polymers. It allows us to apply such optical fibres under harsh environmental conditions in a diverse range of applications: oil and gas industries, optoelectronics, aerospace, medicine and so on.…”

Polycaproamide Modified by Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Protective Coating for Optical Fiber

“…Currently protective coatings based on polyimides are the most progressive. Polyimides provide improved thermal stability, oil, acid resistance and etc . Meanwhile the main drawbacks of polyimides are the multistep coating method due to utilization of poly(amic acid) precursor which poses a problem of incomplete imidization and subsequent stability of the final coating, insufficient adhesion to the fiber and significant variation in mechanical strength.…”