Linear Polarizers Based on Polymer Blends: Oriented Blends of Poly(Ethylene-2,6-Naphthalenedicarboxylate) and a Poly(Styrene/Methylmethacrylate) Copolymer

The optical properties of linear polarizers based on blends of poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) and a poly(styrene/methylmethacrylate) copolymer are presented. In the oriented blends, the refractive index of the dispersed phase is matched with the ordinary refractive index of the birefringent continuous phase while, a large refractive index mismatch is simultaneously generated in the perpendicular direction. The films are therefore transparent or opaque depending on the polarization direction of the incident light and act as a linear polarizer. In the non transparent state, the incident light is mainly scattered in the backward direction (±80%), which potentially enhances the yield of transmitted polarized light if the backscattered light is recycled in a suitable device. This latter feature is useful, for instance, in display applications where a high brightness or energy efficiency is desired.