Mechanical and chemical characteristics of hermetically coated silica optical fibre

Hermetically coated fibres appeared extremely durable in harsh chemical conditions. No significant change in the Weibull distribution and the mean fibre strength was observed after 6 days of chemical exposure to hydrofluoric vapours. In the same conditions, the mechanical strength of the epoxy-acrylate polymer coated standard fibres has decreased to nearly 50% of the initial strength value. SEM observations revealed crystal deposition on the chemical exposed fibres. Chemical analysis provides partial information on the complex mechanisms of fibre corrosion.