Comparison of Properties of Polymer Based Glass Lenses by Chemical Etching Reaction

Purpose: To study changes in coating and lens materials after chemically etched different polymer based glass lenses in short-term and ambient condition using hydrofluoric acid. Methods: Vinyl ester polymer (Lens A) and thiourethane polymer (Lens B), both dyed in gray 70%, were etched in hydrofluoric acid solution for 5, 10, or 15 min. The mechanical properties, degrees of damages in hard coating, anti-reflection coating, and other coatings, rates of refractive index and light transmission of both polymer types were evaluated. Results: Rates of refractive index of both lens types were not changed significantly after chemical etching. However, anti-reflection coatings and hard coatings were removed and lens surfaces were damaged. As a results, UV light transmission of lenses increased and mechanical properties decreased. Chemical etching notably changed various properties of thiourethane polymer materials. Conclusions: Depending on types of polymer materials, chemical reactions by hydrofluoric acid were dissimilar. Thus, various properties of les materials were altered differently.