An improved method of forming an intrinsic polarizer, referred to as a
K-type polarizer, includes stretching a polymeric film a first stretching
step. The polymeric film comprises a hydroxylated linear polymer which is
converted after the first stretching step to form dichroic, copolymer
polyvinylene blocks aligned in the polymeric film. The polymeric film is
stretched in a second stretching step while converting the hydroxylated
linear polymer. This method produces an improved K-type polarizer with
excellent polarizing and color characteristics. For example, the dichroic
ratio is higher than 100, the color shift for light passed through the
polarizer in a crossed configuration is low, and the absorption of light
in the blue region of the visible spectrum is more than one half of the
absorption for light in the middle of the visible spectrum.