The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Optical properties of polymers and their applications
Author:	Hossain, Samiha
View Online:	njit-etd2019-052 (xii, 78 pages ~ 2.7 MB pdf)
Department:	Committee for the Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science and Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Materials Science and Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Ravindra, N. M. (Committee chair) Jaffe, Michael (Committee member) Basuray, S. (Committee member)
Date:	2019-08
Keywords:	Photoactive polymers Optical properties Optical characteristics Signal propagation
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	The last decade has witnessed explosive growth in the world of photoactive polymers for a variety of applications in several sectors of the global economy. The need for efficient, reliable, and low-cost data acquisition, storage, processing, transmission, and display technologies has made it necessary for research aimed at addressing these needs. Recent accomplishments in this materials area represent exciting opportunities for major innovations in various fields. However, further work needs to be done to transfer the technology from fundamental R&D to manufacturing. The goal of this study is to provide a better understanding of the optical properties of polymers and identify the candidates that are ideal for a variety of applications. The fundamental optical properties and characteristics of several commonly used polymers are presented in this study. Mathematical simulations of signal propagation through a polymer core waveguide are examined to determine the materials that are most suitable for long range communications. Other applications such as electronic devices, temperature and pressure sensors, protective coatings and energetic materials are briefly considered. Self-healing and self-repair in polymers are examined.