Abstract: Highly effective polarizers are described having a degree of polarization P of at least 95% and a dichroic ratio Q.sub.E =quotient of the extinction in the blocking position to the extinction in the transmitting position, of 10 or more over almost the whole wavelength range of visible light between 400 and 800 nm, the said polarizers comprising polymer products containing polyacetylene, in whose matrix 70 to 90% of all comonomer units are vinyl alcohol units. The polarizers are used in the form of films with a stretch ratio ##EQU1## (1=length after stretching, l.sub.o =length before stretching) of more than 300%. They can be produced by polymerization of acetylene in the solution of a copolymer in which 70 to 90% of all comonomer units are vinyl alcohol units, in the presence of a nickel catalyst.

Abstract: Laminated polarizers are described comprising a polarizing core layer and adhesive layers on one or both sides, each of which can accept a transparent outer layer, the polarizer being a polymer product containing polyacetylene, whose matrix is a polymer having polar groups, and as adhesive layers, in addition to conventional adhesives, such as epoxy resins or acrylic polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane-polyureas are used in particular, having a predominantly linear molecular structure with urethane segments and urea segments bonded exclusively aliphatically or cycloaliphatically.

Abstract: Acrylic derivatives are polymerized thermally in the presence of compounds which have or contain the following structure ##STR1##