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

• New copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone and condensation polymers are synthesized.
• The used method includes free radical in situ polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone.
• Optical fiber coatings are fabricated from synthesized copolymers.
• The coatings possess high thermal stability and good adhesion to optical fiber.

The copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (N-VP) and condensation cardo and/or fluorinated condensation polymers (aromatic polyamide, polyimide and polyarylate) were synthesized by free radical in situ polymerization. The partial formation (14–61 wt%) of polivnylpyrrolidone (PVP) homopolymer upon the polymerization of N-VP containing dissolved condensation polymer was stated. Synthesized (co)polymers are differed in heat resistance and solubility from neat PVP. Using relevant copolymers solutions in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone the optical fiber coatings having good adhesion properties were fabricated. Such coatings demonstrate high stability at elevated temperatures. A substantial number of defects on coatings and a slight decrease in bending strength are observed only on exposure at 200 °C for 72 h. Simultaneously holding for 1 and 24 h at the same temperature leads to hardening of the fibers: bending strength changes from ∼5 up to 6 GPa.

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