Synthesis and characterization of ultraviolet light-curable resin for optical fiber coating

UV-curable polydimethylsiloxane epoxy acrylate (PSEA) and polyethylene glycol urethane acrylate (PGUA) were synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR and FTIR spectra. PGUA, PSEA and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) were mixed in different proportions to modify the properties of blends to prepare optical fiber coating. Formulation was optimized by the orthogonal table. When the proportion was PGUA:PSEA:TMPTA=10:4:3, it was used for a single coating (OFC-6). However, the proportion PGUA:PSEA:TMPTA=8:3:2 was used for a primary buffer coating. The rheological behavior and the selection of photoinitiators for OFC-6 were also discussed. The photopolymerization of OFC-6 was inspected by the FTIR spectrum. Results show OFC-6 film is completely cured after irradiated 5 s. The thermal behaviors of the cured film were also investigated by TGA, DMA, etc.