Why Crystallization Happens

Published: February 28, 2023

, Last updated: September 10, 2025

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QUESTION: Why does crystallization happen?

ANSWER:

Simply put, the liquid resin is fighting to return to its natural state, which is a solid form. Crystallization in epoxies is so common that major manufacturers have written datasheets on the subject. According to these technical bulletins, extreme temperature cycles may kick-start the creation of crystals. For example, let’s say a container of epoxy is air-shipped to Mexico City. The cold temperatures in the high-altitude airplane are followed by hot temperatures in Mexico’s capital city. Temperature cycles are just one of many potential causes. Please keep this in mind: Crystallization is not in anyone’s control and, therefore, it’s difficult to avoid.

READ THE FULL BLOG ARTICLE HERE: Crystallization in Epoxies: Steps for You to Spot it – and Fix It

ADDITIONAL CONTENT & RESOURCES:

Category Resource: FOC Epoxy Page
Find More Information in this Blog: Helpful Epoxy Tips (and a Few Tricks)

Answered by AskFOC Technical Team February 25, 2019

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FOC FAQ Fiber Optic Center has a team of technical experts and marketing strategists with decades of years in the field. This team contributes to the fiber, cable and specialty industries coverage through news, alerts, reports and general media information.

About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.

Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment, materials, and supplies known for helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over three decades. Material property consultation is provided by technical experts for lapping film, epoxy, adhesives, optical coatings, and optical plastics during application specific material selection. Technical process expertise is offered in several key technology areas. Specialized expertise includes cable assembly line mastery, fiber broadband field installation best practices, and technical advancements in telecom, datacom, data centers, and hyperscale. Optical cable specification development includes design and quality testing. FOC's impact reaches the network physical capabilities through fiber manufacturing process expertise from preform fabrication and shaping, fiber drawing, and coating requirements for double clad fibers used for high power fiber laser applications to solution doping, vapor phase doping, rare earth chelates and halide recipe consultation. Fiber Optic Center is the preferred choice for the world’s fiber professionals as the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

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