Synthesis and study of optical properties of copolymers of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether)

Polymerization under ultrahigh pressure without involvement of initiators was used to synthesize amorphous copolymers of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether). The copolymers have molecular masses within 2•10 4 —7•10 4 au, possess high optical transparency in the telecom ranges of wavelength at 0.85, 1.3, and 1.5 μm and very low refractive index n = 1.293—1.314 at the wavelength λ = 632.8 nm. They can form films and are promising as claddings for optical fibers and waveguides. Amorphous films with the thickness of 1—4 μm were prepared by spin-coating from solutions of the perfluorinated copolymers in perfluorodecalin.