Master Bond UV15 has been selected for use in the fabrication of polymer optical waveguides for a variety of applications. In a research project conducted at RMIT University, UV15 was used for both the upper and lower cladding layers in an optical polymer slab waveguide.
Low viscosity, one component, UV curable epoxy based system
Key Features
- Low viscosity
- Exceptional thermal stability
- Cationic curing system
- Withstands 1,000 hours 85°C/85% RH
Product Description
Master Bond UV15 is a high strength, low viscosity, epoxy based UV curable system for bonding, sealing and coating. It is 100% reactive and does not contain any solvents or other volatiles. It is also completely free of any oxygen inhibition. UV15 will cure quickly and easily when exposed to a UV light source with a wavelength range between 320-365 nm, with the optimum at 365 nm. The energy required is typically 20-40 milliwatts per cm². The rate of cure depends upon the distance of the light from the material being cured, the thickness of the section and the intensity of the light source. It typically cures in thicknesses of a few microns to 0.015-0.020 inches in 15-30 seconds or less. Epoxy based UVs are described as having a cationic curing reaction. This kind of system will have lower shrinkage (1-2%) and higher temperature resistance than the majority of UV systems, which cure by a free radical mechanism. UV15 has excellent resistance to a wide variety of chemicals including water, acids, bases, fuels and many solvents. It features superb physical strength characteristics and electrical insulation properties. UV15 has superior adhesion to a wide variety of substrates including plastics, glass and many metals. As is typical with UVs, it has excellent optical clarity and light transmission properties. It is important to note that UV15’s low viscosity allows it to be spin coated.
Cationic systems, such as UV15, tend to have much higher temperature resistance than other UV type systems. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) with a straight UV cure is 90-95°C, and when post cured for 30 minutes at 125°C, the Tg is 125-130°C. This post cure also enhances UV15’s chemical resistance. The service temperature range for this system is -80°F to +350°F. It is widely used for a variety of applications in the optical, optoelectronic, aerospace and related industries.
Product Advantages
- One component system; no mixing needed
- Very low viscosity, easily applied; readily spin coated
- Cationic curing, no oxygen inhibition
- Superior temperature resistance, especially when post cured with heat
- Outstanding optical clarity and light transmission
- Good adhesion to many substrates
Packaging
Can
Syringe
UV15 is available is various sizes and units to accommodate customer's needs.
Case Studies
Visual Media
Master Bond UV15 is a one component, high strength, low viscosity, epoxy based UV curable system for bonding, sealing and coating. It features exceptional thermal stability and very low shrinkage upon cure.
