Effects of water and moisture on strengths of optical glass (silica) fibers coated with a UV‐cured epoxy acrylate

摘要

AbstractFurnace‐drawn optical silica fibers coated with a uv‐curable epoxy acrylate (V1F) were subjected to long‐term tests in water and in humid environments. Results of stress‐free aging tests showed a progressive reduction of strength both in water and in the atmosphere of 90 r.h. at 32.6°C. Stressing the fibers up to 517 MN/m2(75 kpsi) during aging did not result in additional loss of strength. Static fatigue tests in 90 r.h., 32.6°C, showed that the fatigue strength decreased monotonically with time of exposure in accordance with the power law of Charles. However, there were indications that Charles' theory might not be obeyed over an extended te