UV-Curing Optical Fiber Coating for Water Blocking and Low Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber water blocking materials in dry optical cables suffer from complex manufacturing processes, excessive weight, poor water blocking performance, and high attenuation due to water absorption, leading to signal obstruction and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A UV curing coating composition comprising unsaturated carboxylic acid and its salts, carbonyl-containing compounds, thickener, and photoinitiator, forming a network-like cross-linked coating with controlled water absorption and low attenuation, applied directly on optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water blocking materials with high water absorption magnification are used, then water blocking performance is improved, but optical fiber attenuation increases seriously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of water absorption magnification from high (3-15 times in prior art) to controlled low (1.5-3 times), resolving the contradiction by demonstrating that excessive water absorption causes fiber squeezing and attenuation, while controlled absorption maintains water blocking without harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filling method of traditional water blocking materials (ointment, powder, yarn) with a chemical coating method that forms a cross-linked polymer coating on the fiber surface, eliminating the need for high water absorption magnification and thus preventing fiber attenuation
2Reliability
If traditional water blocking materials are used, then water blocking effect is achieved, but manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water blocking function with the coating application process by applying a dual-functional coating that provides both water blocking and protective functions in a single step, eliminating the need for separate water blocking material installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition contains self-cross-linking functional groups that enable automatic network-like cross-linking upon UV irradiation, creating the water blocking structure without complex manufacturing processes or additional materials
3Reliability
If thick water blocking materials are used, then water blocking performance is improved, but cable weight increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film coating approach where a UV-cured polymer coating with controlled water absorption provides water blocking without the thickness and weight of traditional bulk water blocking materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining hydrophilic groups (for water absorption), cross-linking functional groups (for structural integrity), and hydrophobic groups (for water repellency), achieving water blocking with minimal thickness and weight
4Stability of the object's composition
If uneven curing occurs during coating process, then coating stability is improved, but water blocking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curing mechanism from conventional photopolymerization to network-like cross-linking through self-cross-linking functional groups, which ensures uniform curing throughout the coating thickness and prevents the uneven curing that compromises water blocking performance
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition contains self-cross-linking functional groups that automatically form a uniform cross-linked network upon UV irradiation without requiring external cross-linking agents or complex processing, ensuring both stability and water blocking performance
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 coating provides rapid water absorption, reduced thickness, improved water blocking, and minimal optical fiber attenuation, enhancing signal transmission and reducing cable weight while maintaining stability and ease of application.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet curing coating composition... photoinitiator... cured into a uniform coating by radiation
Implementation Method 2
rapid water absorption... good water absorption and expansion performance
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet curing coating composition includes unsaturated carboxylic acid and salts thereof, a compound containing a carbonyl group, a thickener, a photoinitiator, and deionized water. The added value of a fiber attenuation coefficient of the composition is less than 0.02 dB/km. A coating internally cross-linked in a network shape is formed on the surface of an optical fiber by interaction between active groups, and the coating has a faster water absorption rate and better water blocking effect and is not easy to water loss. Under the optimal mixing of raw materials, the water absorption rate of the coating composition is maintained at 3 to 15 times and further can be controlled at 3 to 10 times, so that a water-soluble tensile coating coated on the optical fiber will not excessively squeeze the optical fiber after absorbing water to cause the attenuation of the optical fiber over the standard.