64
X-Ray
Initiated Epoxy Adhesive for Detector Assembly--Adherent
Technologies, Inc., 9621 Camino del Sol, NE, Albuquerque, NM
87111-1522; 505-346-1685
Dr.
Andrea Hoyt, Principal Investigator, aehoyt@adherent-tech.com
Dr.
Donald Allred, Business Official, atiadmin@flash.net
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG03-01ER83178
Amount:
$100,000
Adhesive
systems are needed for the assembly of detectors for high-energy physics
applications, especially an
adhesive that cures upon the application of an external stimulation, such as UV
light. However, the end use of
these detectors requires extensive shielding to protect the detectors from
impinging stray light that might interfere with the small responses generated
during subsequent experiments. This
shielding makes standard UV-curing adhesive systems unacceptable for this
application. This project will
develop an adhesive system that can be cured effectively by x-ray irradiation,
which is capable of penetrating into the detector structure and initiating the
cure of the adhesive system. The
system that will provide the desired bonding strength with minimum x-ray
intensity, in order to ensure adequate penetration to guarantee full cure in the
system. Phase I will select
adhesive components (including polymers, monomers, photoinitiators,
polymerization accelerators or inhibitors, and fillers) to achieve the desired
bonding properties and optical properties for the assembly of photodetectors
used in high-energy physics experimentation.
At least three acrylate and three epoxy formulations will be tested and
optimized. At least one optimized
system will be demonstrated and the penetration depth will be determined.
Commercial
Applications And Other Benefits as
described by awardee: There are many cases in which conventional adhesive
systems, such as UV-initiated polymerization, are not applicable. The x-ray curing adhesive system should be compatible with
radiation processing methods currently under development in the aerospace
industry where large, complex parts are frequently bonded, and could lead to
significant cost reduction in composite airframe assembly and repair.