| Popis: |
The long-term mechanical reliability of optical fibers is controlled by their strength, fatigue resistance, and zero-stress aging behavior. Understanding the effect of the chemical environment under zero stress on the subsequent fracture strength of optical fibers is important because optical fibers in service are likely to encounter water and other chemical species while exposed to zero or low stress conditions. To determine the effect of zero stress aging on polymer coated optical fibers, we used several fibers which were coated with various UV-curable polymer coatings. The results clearly showed that the strength, fatigue resistance, and aging behavior varied significantly among these fibers. Strength reduction took place after aging in water. Such reduction was both temperature and time dependent and was also affected by the polymer coating. The initial degradation in strength may be partially or fully recovered through drying. However, the degree of recovery became less with increasing storage time at zero stress. A change in the fatigue resistance of these fibers, which was modified by the coating material, was also observed. |
