Synthesis and Study of the Properties of an Optically Transparent Polymer Based on 2-Methoxycarbonyl Paracyclopropyl Styrene and Glycidyl Methacrylate

A new polyfunctional optically transparent copolymer based on 2-methoxycarbonyl paracyclopropyl styrene (MCCPS) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) has been synthesized. The compositions and structures have been established, and the copolymerization parameters of the synthesized copolymer have been found. The values of copolymerization constants were calculated according to the Fineman–Ross equation ( r 1 = 1.36, r 2 = 0.30) and Q – e parameters according to Alfrey–Price ( Q 1 = 2.573, e 1 = –0.846). It was found that 2-methoxycarbonyl paracyclopropyl styrene is a more active monomer in radical copolymerization than GMA. The parameters of the microstructure of the copolymer have been determined. Compared to polystyrene, the resulting copolymer has a higher refractive index ( = 1.5820). The degree of light transmission of the copolymer was established, which is 88–90%. Depending on the composition of the optically transparent copolymer, the rate of change in the light transmission index was studied. It is shown that the synthesized copolymer surpasses polystyrene and GMA in terms of the main performance indicators and exhibits high optical transparency, which makes it possible to use it in the manufacture of parts for optical devices.