Strength degradation of silica fibers by acetone immersion

Andrew T. Taylor; M. John Matthewson; Charles R. Kurkjian

doi:10.1117/12.372761

29 December 1999 Strength degradation of silica fibers by acetone immersion

Andrew T. Taylor, M. John Matthewson, Charles R. Kurkjian

Proceedings Volume 3848, Optical Fiber Reliability and Testing; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372761
Event: Photonics East '99, 1999, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A single-layer UV-curable polyacrylate-coated telecommunications grade fused silica fiber was found to have a significant reduction in two-point bending strength after immersion in acetone. The two-point bending and tensile strengths of this fiber as a function of immersion time in acetone were determined, and this strength loss was not seen for 0.5-m gauge length tensile specimens. SEM and optical fractography was performed on the weak specimens, and the cause of the strength reduction is proposed to arise from particles smaller than 3 micrometers in the coating. These particles could cause surface flaws by sliding contact damage incurred during relative motion between the coating and the glass. This sliding could occur either while flexing the fiber in preparation for a bending strength measurement or due to coating elongation. While it is not clear which mechanism is operating, both are consistent with the observation that degradation is only observed for bending strength measurements.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew T. Taylor, M. John Matthewson, and Charles R. Kurkjian "Strength degradation of silica fibers by acetone immersion", Proc. SPIE 3848, Optical Fiber Reliability and Testing, (29 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.372761

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available