Development of a Novel Composite Based on Thermoplastic Polymers and Low Melting Point Thermoplastic Chalcogenide Glasses

Abstract

A novel composite material has been developed based on thermoplastic polymers on one hand and thermoplastic chalcogenide glass on the other hand. Extrusion technique and pressing allowed the production of very different structures of the composite, ranging from fibrous to “sandwich” structures. Also obtained were highly homogenous compositions that contain perfectly spherical glass particles of 1-6 mm in diameter dispersed into a polymer matrix. Optical properties of the composite have been studied thoroughly. It was established that extrusion allows the obtaining of composites, which are highly transparent in the 2-25 mm wavelength band when the concentration of the chalcogenide glass does not exceed 33%. When the concentration of chalcogenide glass was as great as 40%, dramatic changes in the transmission spectrum were observed. The extruded films are opaque not only in the visible band but in the near and middle IR as well, while being transparent in the far IR band. Such composite films are suitable as far IR filters. Pressing permits the production of “sandwiches” which are opaque in visible light and highly transparent in the near and middle IR. “Sandwich” composites could be used as effective flexible near-IR filters. Oriented composites can be applied as IR waveguides.