Fast curing primary buffer coatings for high strength optical fibers

UV-curable polyetherurethane acrylates and poly- (dimethyl-co-methylphenyl siloxane) acrylates have been investigated for the primary buffer coating of optical fibers. Curing behavior, Emodulus, glass transition temperature and refractive index have been studied in relation to the molecular structure of both acrylate types. The benefits of the appropriate composition with respect to fiber drawing speed and performance are ultrafast curing, low operation temperatures, and high mechanical stability.