Sulfur-Containing Curable Composition for High Refractive Index Optical Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high refractive index lenses, whether made of glass or plastic, face challenges in achieving a balance between refractive index, haze, mechanical strength, and weight, with glass being hazardous and high refractive plastics having high haze and difficulty in achieving high refractive indices similar to glass.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising an episulfide compound, a cyclic disulfide compound with specific chemical structures, and a reducing agent, which together form a high refractive index optical material with excellent mechanical and optical properties by minimizing unreacted compounds and reducing haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass is used for high refractive index lenses, then refractive index and light transmittance are improved, but weight increases and safety deteriorates due to breakability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating sulfur-containing compounds (episulfide and cyclic disulfide) into the polymer structure, which increases the refractive index from typical plastic values (1.5-1.6) to glass-level values (1.7-1.9), while maintaining the lightweight plastic form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite curable composition combining multiple components: episulfide compound, cyclic disulfide compound, reducing agent, and optional co-initiator or catalyst. This composite system achieves glass-like optical properties while retaining plastic advantages of weight and safety
2Weight of moving object
If conventional high refractive plastics are used, then weight is reduced and safety is improved, but refractive index and optical clarity deteriorate due to high haze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters by introducing sulfur atoms into the polymer backbone through episulfide and cyclic disulfide compounds, which increases electron density and polarizability, thereby increasing refractive index and reducing haze to achieve glass-level optical clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating sulfur-containing functional groups at specific molecular positions within the polymer structure, creating regions of high electron density that locally increase refractive index without compromising overall material transparency
3Illumination intensity
If glass is used for lenses, then refractive index is improved, but safety deteriorates due to breakability and harmful effects on eyeballs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile, permanent glass lenses with lightweight, impact-resistant plastic lenses that can be safely disposed of or replaced if damaged, eliminating the safety hazards of glass breakage while maintaining high refractive index through chemical composition modification
4Illumination intensity
If high density materials are used for high refractive index lenses, then refractive index is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to heavy weight for prolonged wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter by using low-density plastic base materials and achieving high refractive index through chemical composition (sulfur-containing compounds) rather than through high physical density, thereby decoupling refractive index from material density and enabling lightweight high-index lenses
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides an optical material with a high refractive index, low haze, and enhanced mechanical properties, making it suitable for replacing conventional glass or plastic lenses in wearable devices, offering improved safety, comfort, and optical clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a reducing agent
Implementation Method 2
curable composition for forming a high refractive index optical material
Data Source
AI summary
A curable composition for forming a high refractive index optical material including an episulfide compound, a cyclic disulfide compound, and a reducing agent, and an optical material comprising a cured product of the curable composition.