Fiber Optic Center will be at Anga Com - Schedule your meeting with a member of the FOC team now

Proper epoxy storage methods and deciphering datasheet handling and storage instructions

QUESTION:  I have a question about the AB9112 Epoxy, what is the proper storage method? In the datasheet, under section 7:Handling and Storage, it doesn’t really specify the proper storage of the epoxy. We had a couple epoxy packs that went grainy before it’s due date, are these still usable? Would storing them in a fridge prevent this?

 

ANSWER:  

Thank you for reaching out to us.  The AB9112 should be stored according to the Storage recommendations on the attached data sheet.

In regards to a couple packs appearing grainy, this may be crystallization.  Here is blog on the subject of crystallization and how to heat treat to remove it and use the epoxy, but I have also pasted the treatment method below – https://focenter.com/crystallization-in-epoxies-steps-for-you-to-spot-it-and-fix-it/

  • Crystals can be eliminated by increasing the temperature of the liquid resin to about 50°C (about 122°F) until all signs of the crystals are gone. We suggest checking the material at 10 minutes, at 20 minutes, at 30 minutes, and at 1 hour. Typically, it takes only 20-40 minutes to eliminate crystals and fully return the epoxy to a clear liquid, but it could take several hours. (Note that this low-temperature heat treatment does not damage the epoxy or impact its material properties. Also, the epoxy won’t cure, because you have not yet mixed the material.)

  • Allow the resin to cool to room temperature, then proceed to use normally. It can be stored in its original packaging for later use.

Here is also a link to a white paper if you wanted to look into this topic further. https://focenter.com/crystallization-in-epoxies-how-to-identify-and-reverse-it/

crystallization-in-epoxies

Crystallization in epoxies is a common occurrence –and easy to remedy:  If your production facility discovers a container of epoxy that appears cloudy or is nearly solid, there’s no need for concern.  In fact, in this technical paper, we hope to dispel the perception that crystallized epoxy is not usable or that its material properties are compromised.  Crystallization indicates purity of product.

Please let me know if you can do the treatment and if you have any questions.  If you find that this is something else, please let me know and we can look into it further.

 

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 November 8, 2016

 

Have a technical question for Fiber Optic Center?

Please email your question to AskFOC@focenter.com and we will respond ASAP.

In addition to replying, we will post your question and our answer here on focenter.com.  Everyone remains anonymous when we post so feel comfortable asking.  You can also search your question and others in our content search.

About the Author
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 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