What is the lifespan gap between non-metallic and metal packaging under long-term outdoor exposure?
Under long-term outdoor exposure, there is a significant lifespan gap between non-metallic and metallic packaging for fiber optic sensors, primarily due to UV aging resistance.
Non-metallic packaging, typically involving polymer coatings or encapsulations (such as polyacrylate or polyimide), is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV light causes degradation of these polymer materials, leading to embrittlement, cracking, loss of adhesion, and eventual failure of the sensor’s protective layer. This significantly reduces the operational lifespan of the sensor in outdoor environments compared to metallic solutions.
In contrast, metallic packaging offers superior protection. Materials like stainless steel or specialized alloys used in our OFSCN® Alloy Tube Packaged Fiber Bragg Grating strain sensor provide an impenetrable barrier against UV radiation, moisture ingress, and mechanical abrasion. This robust encapsulation ensures the long-term stability and integrity of the optical fiber and the Bragg grating, extending the sensor’s lifespan considerably in harsh outdoor conditions.
For example, our OFSCN® Alloy Tube Packaged Fiber Bragg Grating strain sensor utilizes a full metal seamless tube packaging, which eliminates issues like polymer creep and provides excellent resistance to environmental factors including UV radiation.
Here is an image of the OFSCN® Alloy Tube Packaged Fiber Bragg Grating strain sensor:
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