Optical Fiber Photocurable Coating for Fast Curing With Low Volatilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photocurable compositions used in optical fiber manufacturing face issues with volatilization during high-speed drawing, leading to compromised curing efficiency due to the accumulation of volatile substances on photo-curing equipment surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A photocurable composition comprising specific alkyl-substituted photoinitiators and other components, such as polyurethane and epoxy acrylate oligomers, is developed to enhance thermal stability and reduce volatilization, thereby improving curing speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If TPO photoinitiator is used for rapid curing, then curing speed is improved, but volatilization increases during high-speed drawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the photoinitiator by introducing alkyl-substituted variants (such as 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoylphosphine oxide and 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine oxide) with modified molecular structures that have lower vapor pressures. This parameter change maintains the broad absorption range and high initiation efficiency needed for rapid curing while reducing volatilization during high-speed drawing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite photoinitiator systems combining multiple photoinitiators (e.g., TPO with 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoylphosphine oxide, or TPO with 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone) to achieve synergistic effects. The composite system maintains high curing speed through broad UV absorption while the specific composition reduces overall volatilization compared to using TPO alone.
2Productivity
If high-speed drawing is implemented to increase production capacity, then productivity is improved, but volatile substance accumulation increases on equipment surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameters of the photocurable composition by selecting photoinitiators with appropriate molecular weights and structures (alkyl-substituted phosphine oxides and ketones) that have lower vapor pressures. This allows high-speed drawing to proceed with reduced volatile emissions, preventing accumulation on the photo-curing equipment surfaces even at increased production speeds.
3Productivity
If exposure time is reduced for high-speed drawing, then productivity is improved, but curing completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the photoinitiator efficiency parameters by using compounds with high molar extinction coefficients and high quantum yields (such as 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoylphosphine oxide and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone). These parameter changes enable complete curing to be achieved in shorter exposure times, maintaining reliability while supporting high-speed drawing and increased productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new composition achieves higher curing degrees and reduced volatile matter content, enhancing the performance of optical fiber coatings under high-speed drawing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
photocurable composition... through ultraviolet light irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a photocurable composition, comprising: a photocurable oligomer, a photocurable active monomer and a photoinitiator, wherein the photoinitiator comprises at least one compound represented by general formula I. Applying the photocurable composition to optical fiber coating can significantly increase the curing speed while effectively mitigating the volatilization problem occurring during drawing processes. The present invention further provides the use of the photocurable composition as optical fiber coating or optical fiber coloring coating.