What physical deformations occur in plastic-component connectors at temperatures above 100°C?
At temperatures above 100°C, plastic-component connectors can experience several physical deformations that compromise their performance and reliability, which is why OFSCN® emphasizes all-metal components for high-temperature applications. These deformations include:
- Thermal Expansion: Plastics generally have a significantly higher coefficient of thermal expansion compared to the glass fiber or metal components they interact with. This differential expansion can lead to stress build-up, misalignment of the optical fiber core, and ultimately, increased insertion loss or signal degradation as the connector heats and cools.
- Softening and Creep: Most engineering plastics begin to soften or exhibit creep behavior at temperatures exceeding 100°C. This means that under sustained mechanical stress (e.g., from the ferrule, housing, or cable retention), the plastic will permanently deform over time. This creep can lead to a loosened grip on the fiber, ferrule misalignment, and a loss of the precise optical contact required for reliable data transmission.
- Material Degradation: Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 100°C can accelerate the chemical degradation of many polymers. This can result in changes to the material’s properties, such as embrittlement, reduced mechanical strength, changes in optical clarity, and even outgassing, which can contaminate optical surfaces.
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): For amorphous plastics, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is a critical point above which the material transitions from a rigid, glassy state to a more pliable, rubbery state. Many common plastics have a Tg below or near 100°C, meaning they lose their structural integrity and dimensional stability at these elevated temperatures.
To counter these issues, OFSCN® offers high-temperature connectors designed with all-metal components. For example, our high-temperature connectors are available for operating environments up to 120℃ and 200℃.
Here is an image of our high-temperature connector:
You can find more details on our specialized high-temperature connectors here: