New UV-curable epoxies for dam & fill applications in the aerospace industry

John P Kummer, a leading supplier of high-performance speciality adhesives, is today launching new UV-curable epoxies for dam and fill processes in the UK aerospace industries.

The "dam & fill" process with two materials is mainly used in cases where a component needs to be protected with either an optically-transparent or opaque encapsulant or if a conventional glob-top material is too viscous to flow around and underneath fine wires. Optically transparent encapsulants usually have a low viscosity. A dam is therefore applied around the component first to prevent the potting material from flowing over the substrate.

Epo-Tek OG116-31 is a UV-curable epoxy. Due to its thixotropic1 nature it is often used as a dam. It can be cured with UV-light in a very short time. Afterwards the encapsulant – either also a UV-cure or a thermoset material - can be applied. Whilst OG142-87 is typically use for a UV fill, both products have a high glass transition temperature (Tg >100°C).

As most UV-cure epoxies, both OG116-31 and OG142-87 are cationic products. Ionic polymerization is initiated by photo-generated ions. The cure process continues until all polymers are consumed. Generally, cationic products have the benefits of less shrinkage and higher adhesion over free radical cured systems and are not adversely impacted by an oxygen rich curing environment.

Rob Church of JP Kummer said: "The dam and fill process is often a tricky operation. However, these two new UV-curable epoxies make it more straight-forward, with more consistent applications. We are really pleased to make these available."