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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light

Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light

Published on: July 29, 2013

Transparent zero-birefringence copolymer and its optical properties.

S Iwata, H Tsukahara, E Nihei

|July 1, 1997

Summary

Random copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and benzyl methacrylate eliminates birefringence in optical materials. This breakthrough offers high transparency, rivaling homopolymers for advanced optical applications.

Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Materials Science
Optics

Background:

Birefringence, a phenomenon affecting optical clarity, arises from polymer chain orientation and photoelasticity.
Existing methods struggle to simultaneously compensate for both birefringence sources.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate random copolymerization as a method to eliminate birefringence in polymers.
To achieve both orientational and photoelastic zero birefringence for enhanced optical properties.

Main Methods:

Random copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (negative birefringence) and benzyl methacrylate (positive birefringence).
Compositional analysis to determine specific ratios for zero birefringence.
Optical transparency and scattering loss measurements.

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Main Results:

Achieved distinct copolymer compositions for orientational and photoelastic zero birefringence.
Demonstrated near-complete elimination of injection molding-induced birefringence with orientational zero-birefringence composition.
Obtained high transparency in zero-birefringence copolymers (scattering losses of 30.4 dB/km and 19.5 dB/km).

Conclusions:

Random copolymerization effectively compensates for polymer chain orientation and photoelasticity-induced birefringence.
Developed copolymers offer transparency competitive with homopolymers, suitable for optical material applications.