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    The Conundrum of Epoxy Temperature Storage

    by:
    EPOXY: Blog Articles
    Published: August 16, 2018

    When working with epoxies and adhesives, there are several consistent areas that beg for clarity. FOC knows because we generally field those questions and concerns.

    Among the top of that list are:

    • Room temperature storage best practices
    • Storage methods and instructions
    • Freezing
    • Crystallization

    Within this short article blog we intend to touch on each of these and give quick links to where you can find more detailed technical information and best practices for each.

    Room temperature storage best practices

    Room temperature storage, when talking about epoxies and adhesives, is defined differently by manufacturers. For example, one manufacturer recommends 73-77F as an ideal room temperature storage. Another recommends a wide range from cooler room temperature to warmer room temperature at 15-30C (59-86F).

    Fiber Optic Center recommends 65-80F as ideal. In short, storing anywhere between 59 and 86F is suitable.

    Storage methods and instructions

    Proper epoxy storage methods and deciphering data sheet handling/storage instructions are areas where FOC receives consistent requests for support. The data sheet for each product is the starting place for key information.

    The basic information that should be included on any datasheet includes:

    • Description
    • Typical Physical Properties
    • Application Directions
    • Handling Characteristics – these include but are not limited to:
      • Working Life
      • Minimum Cure Schedule

    Here is an example for FOC’s ÅngströmBond® 9112.

    All epoxies should be stored according to the storage recommendations on their data sheet so begin there.

    Freezing Epoxy

    Freezing unused epoxy for future use has several tips and considerations that we have covered in detail. Some highlights include:

    • After fabricating the connectors or cable assemblies, the remaining material in the syringe must be frozen right away.
    • Freeze epoxy at -40 degrees C to stop the curing process.
    • Follow the FOC best practice to extend the epoxy’s pot life and save money.

    More detailed information found here.

    Crystallization in Epoxy

    If epoxy is left in a cold environment it can become more susceptible to crystallization where you would then need to heat the material to melt the crystals before use. The first steps in dealing with crystallization can be found in this article blog:  Crystallization in Epoxies: Steps for You to Spot it – and Fix It.

    Crystallization, a natural phenomenon where the epoxy can look cloudy or milky or form crystals, can happen in any epoxy, and for no reason even if stored correctly. Additional information regarding identifying and reversing this phenomenon can be found in this article blog:  Crystallization in Epoxies: How to Identify and Reverse It

    It is worth mentioning that we have seen that storing on the colder side or cooler side of the room temperature storage range may contribute to this phenomenon. We have authored a technical paper if you wish to look into this topic further, see here.

    FOC EPOXY RESOURCES:

    TIPS:

    Articles:

    Additional resources from the FOC team include:

    ÅngströmBond Solutions Center for additional epoxy expertise through:

    • technical content, best practices, weekly tips
    • our dedicated adhesives expert to help meet individual customer needs
    • specialty stock materials or high-tech custom epoxies in custom package sizes
    • FOC developed ÅngströmBond, the only specialty adhesive line developed exclusively for Fiber Optics

    Do you have a specific issue regarding epoxies and adhesives?

    We’re here to help! Send us your question, and we’ll do our best to provide guidance. FOC is committed to helping you manufacture the best fiber optic cable assemblies in the world. FOC is a resource for questions on this and all technical subjects. AskFOC can be found here. Where our technical experts answer your questions.

    About the Author
    Kelly Barker Kelly Barker, Business Development, Epoxies, Technical Sales Kelly started her career in customer service, marketing and sales. Since then, she has been promoted to management positions in these departments, project management director, and new business development with a specialty in product line marketing strategy. Kelly joined Fiber Optic Center, Inc. from PennWell Corporation where she spent more than five years in business development within various industries including Fiber Optics, Cabling, Connector, LED, Military and Aerospace. She has worked extensively with adhesive manufacturers on their product lines and applications within these markets. Kelly graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 1997 with a BS degree in Marketing and Management and a minor in Legal Studies. She resides in Nashua, NH with her husband and two girls, Maizie and Audrey. She enjoys being involved in community activities, such as park and recreation sports with her girls, and enjoys camping and reading. Follow @EpoxyExprtsFOC
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    About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.
    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and has been helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over two decades. Several areas of specialization and expertise, in which they are the industry leader, make them the preferred choice for many of the world’s fiber professionals. In these key technology areas, FOC is "at least as technical as the manufacturer" about the products they sell. Striving to "make the business part easy," they offer outstanding and personal customer service, low or no minimum purchase order values, and from-stock delivery on industry-leading products and technology. FOC is 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

    For further information contact:
    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., 23 Centre Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6322
    Toll Free in US: 800-IS-FIBER or 800-473-4237 . Direct 508-992-6464. Email: sales@focenter.com or fiberopticcenter@focenter.com

    For media contact:
    Kathleen Skelton, Director of Strategic Marketing, C: 617-803-3014 . E: kskelton@focenter.com
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