Novel Multifunctional Epoxy-Based Nanocomposites with Enhanced Creep and Gas Barrier Properties

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Adhesive epoxies play a crucial role in assembly of structural parts in opto-electronics due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent thermal stability and outstanding adhesion as well as sealing properties. These polymer adhesives provide uniform stress distribution along the contact surface and are promising candidates to connect dissimilar materials. Epoxy is a thermoset polymer cured by cross-linkage of resin and catalyst chains through covalent bonds, which exhibit complex temperature- and time-dependent viscoelastic behavior. The performance and cost-effectiveness of optoelectronic devices depends on epoxy technologies; epoxy is used to fix free-space optical components in highly precise and stable spatial arrangements and is used in the hermetic sealing of the enclosures that house the optics. Improvements to the engineering properties of epoxy technology can directly contribute to improved performance of these devices, delivering a critical competitive edge. The specific goals of the partnership between Lumentum and University of Toronto are: Study the dynamic properties in adhesive epoxy to maintain stable position and orientation of optical component over large temperature range and 20 years operating life of device; Improve adhesion properties to minimize chances of both adhesive or cohesive failure of epoxy when cured assembly is subjected to shock and vibration. The university and the company as the two sides of this collaboration will work collectively towards development of new generation of adhesive epoxy nanocomposite with enhanced dynamic as well as adhesion properties using the state-of-the art manufacturing technologies and material characterization equipment. The developed innovations in this period of collaboration would be transferred to both academia and relevant industries in Canada and worldwide.