In summary, this proposal will build a route to industrial manufacturing of a commercially viable polymeric material using Corn-based monomers like Isosorbide, test these methods and demonstrate a path to a prototype product. Work presented in this proposal is novel and unique in the following ways: First application of Isosorbide for making optical polymers First report of non-brittle Isosorbide polymers of refractive index >=1.52First report of utilizing high Abbe values of Isosorbide polymers for making lensesFirst report of casting Isosorbide into a thick slab useful for cutting out a lensSuccess of this work will not only promote our internal goals of making bio-based lenses but it will provide a rare example of a commercially viable chemistry based on Isosorbide. So far, Durabio is the best example of Isosorbide traction in markets. We have spoken to both Mitsubishi (maker of Durabio) and Iowa Corn Board (owner of a lot of IP in Isosorbide production and processing) regarding our invention and received their support in promoting our Polymers in optical markets to provide Isosorbide the much-needed traction and to demonstrate a route to making clear, non-yellowing Isosorbide products. Through our product, we hope to serve both the USDA goals of enhancing the use of crops and agricultural materials in current markets through bio-based materials as well as creating a value chain from sustainable resources.
