Hello there,
I am trying to assemble fibre optic implants for an optogenetics behaviour experiment, and cannot get the epoxy resin I am using (to fix the fibre optic in the ferrules) to set/stay set. I am using ThorLabs F112 Epoxy for Fiber Connectors, Long Pot Life (Eccobond F112 BIPAX). It comes as two solutions that you are expected to mix all in one go. However, as we only need a small amount at a time and I don't want to waste it, I have been trying to mix the solutions as 3 parts base, 1 part catalyst. Currently when I heat-gun the implants after assembling and let them sit over night at RT the epoxy sets as a firm gel that becomes more porous and liquid as days pass. Does anyone have any experience with this epoxy or other fiber optic epoxy? Am I using too much/not enough catalyst? Thank you very much for your input.
1) Instructions say 10 parts resin to 3 parts hardener. Not exactly the same as 3:1... it's 3.333 : 1... I doubt that matters.
2) You heat gun it prior to mixing as well as after. And you need to mix up the components a lot, they separate
3) Also, what are you mixing them in? If you mix any epoxy in plastic containers you often suck plasticisers out of the plastic, and it makes the epoxy soft.
Hello William,
I haven't tried heat gunning the solution prior to mixing, I will try that. I mix in plastic weigh boats generally - I will try to find something glass or ceramic. Thank you very much for your response! This has been driving me crazy.
Hello William (and the rest of the fiber optic community),
Using a heat gun prior to mixing and after mixing, and mixing in a glass beaker as opposed to a plastic weigh boat, has unfortunately not helped with regards to my epoxy not setting. Is it possible the new epoxy being applied to layers of old epoxy (I am trying not to waste fibers/ferrules) is the issue? I have also heard that other people have had this issue with the Loctite brand. If anyone has used Thorlabs' Loctite Eccobond successfully I would greatly appreciate your input!
No catalist is needed Mixing ratio 100:30. curing- 24 hr RT + 1 hr. at 65 C.
Perhaps it crystelized? if so heat it gently to 52 C for 1/2 hr before mixing.
If it does not cure it has aged.
Thank you Alisa Buchman - it turns out my mixing ration was incorrect coupled with my not heating the solution sufficiently. Thank you very much for your answer!
I had something similar when trying to make fibre optic cannulae - the epoxy was just not setting properly. Either that or they were to viscous to get the epoxy into the cannula.
My solution was to stop trying to make them myself. Now I just buy them in pack of 20 from Thorlabs, and they cost less than £20 each. These are the ones I get:
https://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=CFML22U-20
Is there a particular reason you need to make them yourself?