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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