spore: profile
id: epo-tek-301-2
spore_version: 0.2
family: optical-epoxy
name: EPO-TEK 301-2 optically transparent epoxy
abbreviation: 301-2
role: Two-part optically transparent epoxy for bonding, sealing and encapsulating optics, fibres and chips
category: seals-adhesives
type: adhesives
summary: EPO-TEK 301-2 is a two-part, optically transparent epoxy made by Epoxy Technology. Its current datasheet (Rev. XVIII) gives a viscosity of 225 - 425 cPs at 23 °C and a refractive index of 1.5318 at 589 nm. NASA RP-1124 lists it with a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a collected volatile condensable material value of 1.03 %.
best_for: 'Bonding, sealing and encapsulating optics and chips where light must pass through the joint: at least 99 % transmission from 400 to 1,200 nm per the current datasheet.'
weakest_at: 'Outgassing and heat: NASA RP-1124 records a CVCM of 1.03 %, and the datasheet shows 2.19 % weight loss at 300 °C.'
identity:
  formula: 'Two-part epoxy. Part A is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin (CAS 1675-54-3), at least 60 % of Part A by weight. Part B is polyoxypropylenediamine (CAS 9046-10-0), at least 60 % of Part B by weight. Mixed 100 : 35 by weight (Part A : Part B), per the Part A and Part B SDS and the datasheet header.'
  source: epotek-sds-partA
  where: Section 3.2 (Part A composition); Part B SDS Section 3.2; mix ratio in the datasheet header table
  designations:
    - system: Trade name
      code: EPO-TEK® 301-2
      source: tds-2021
      where: Title block
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses:
    - uv
    - vacuum-and-outgassing
  applications:
    - electronics-and-chips
    - optics-and-cameras
properties:
  - benchmark: viscosity
    label: Viscosity at 23 °C, 100 rpm, before cure
    value: 225
    value_high: 425
    bound: range
    unit: cPs
    scope: material
    conditions:
      speed: 100 rpm
      temperature: 23 °C
      state: before cure
    method: Printed as 225 - 425 cPs; the datasheet marks the test with an asterisk as a lot acceptance test
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Viscosity (23°C) @ 100 rpm row
  - benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
    label: Glass transition temperature, dynamic test
    value: 80
    bound: lower
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      method_as_printed: Dynamic cure 20 to 200 °C, ISO 25 min; ramp -10 to 200 °C at 20 °C/min
      cure: 80 °C / 3 Hours
    method: Printed as ≥ 80 °C; the datasheet marks the test as a lot acceptance test
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Glass Transition Temp. row
  - benchmark: shore_d_hardness
    label: Shore D hardness
    value: 80
    unit: Shore D
    scope: material
    conditions:
      cure: 80 °C / 3 Hours
    method: Printed as 80 in the Shore D Hardness row; test standard not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Shore D Hardness row
  - benchmark: lap_shear_strength
    label: Lap shear strength at 23 °C
    value: 2000
    bound: lower
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 °C
      cure: 80 °C / 3 Hours
    method: Printed as > 2,000 psi; test standard not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Lap Shear @ 23°C row
  - benchmark: die_shear_strength
    label: Die shear strength at 23 °C, current datasheet (psi)
    value: 5334
    bound: lower
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 °C
      revision: Rev. XVIII, February 2021
    method: Printed as ≥ 15 Kg 5,334 psi in the current datasheet
    status: ground
    note: The older Rev. X copy prints 5,100 psi for the same test. The two revisions disagree and the datasheets give no reason.
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Die Shear @ 23°C row
  - benchmark: die_shear_strength
    label: Die shear strength at 23 °C, current datasheet (kg)
    value: 15
    bound: lower
    unit: kg
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 °C
      revision: Rev. XVIII, February 2021
    method: Printed as ≥ 15 Kg in the same row as the psi figure
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Die Shear @ 23°C row
  - benchmark: degradation_temperature
    label: Degradation temperature
    value: 360
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      method_as_printed: not printed in the current datasheet
    method: Printed as Degradation Temp 360 °C; the current datasheet does not name the test method
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Degradation Temp row
  - benchmark: weight_loss
    label: Weight loss at 200 °C
    value: 0.01
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 °C
      hold_time: not printed
    method: Printed as 0.01 % weight loss at 200 °C; hold time and atmosphere not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Weight Loss, @ 200°C row
  - benchmark: weight_loss
    label: Weight loss at 250 °C
    value: 0.46
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 250 °C
      hold_time: not printed
    method: Printed as 0.46 % weight loss at 250 °C; hold time and atmosphere not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Weight Loss, @ 250°C row
  - benchmark: weight_loss
    label: Weight loss at 300 °C
    value: 2.19
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 300 °C
      hold_time: not printed
    method: Printed as 2.19 % weight loss at 300 °C; hold time and atmosphere not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Weight Loss, @ 300°C row
  - benchmark: max_service_temp
    label: Suggested operating temperature, intermittent
    value: 300
    bound: upper
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      use: intermittent
    method: Printed as < 300 °C (Intermittent); the datasheet says the data are a guide and not a specification
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Suggested Operating Temperature row
  - benchmark: storage_modulus
    label: Storage modulus, current datasheet
    value: 432279
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 432,279 psi; a dynamic storage modulus, not the elastic modulus; test temperature not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Storage Modulus row
  - benchmark: chloride_ion_content
    label: Chloride ion content
    value: 61
    unit: ppm
    scope: material
    conditions:
      basis: as printed; test method and cure state not stated
    method: Printed in the Ion Content row as Cl- 61 ppm; test method not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Ion Content, Cl- row
  - benchmark: sodium_ion_content
    label: Sodium ion content
    value: 104
    unit: ppm
    scope: material
    conditions:
      basis: as printed; test method and cure state not stated
    method: Printed in the Ion Content row as Na+ 104 ppm; test method not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Ion Content, Na+ row
  - benchmark: dielectric_constant
    label: Dielectric constant
    value: 3.8
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      frequency: 1 kHz
    method: Printed as 3.80 at 1KHz
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Electrical and Thermal Properties, Dielectric Constant row
  - benchmark: dissipation_factor
    label: Dissipation factor
    value: 0.012
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      frequency: 1 kHz
    method: Printed as 0.012 at 1KHz
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Electrical and Thermal Properties, Dissipation Factor row
  - benchmark: refractive_index
    label: Refractive index at 589 nm
    value: 1.5318
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      wavelength: 589 nm
      temperature: 23 °C
    method: Printed as 1.5318 @ 589 nm under Optical Properties @ 23°C
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Optical Properties @ 23°C, Refractive Index row
  - benchmark: spectral_transmission
    label: Spectral transmission at 320 nm
    value: 94
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      wavelength: 320 nm
      temperature: 23 °C
    method: Printed as ≥ 94% @ 320 nm
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Optical Properties @ 23°C, Spectral Transmission row, first line
  - benchmark: spectral_transmission
    label: Spectral transmission, 400 to 1,200 nm
    value: 99
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      wavelength: 400 to 1,200 nm
      temperature: 23 °C
    method: Printed as ≥ 99% @ 400-1,200 nm
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Optical Properties @ 23°C, Spectral Transmission row, second line
  - benchmark: spectral_transmission
    label: Spectral transmission, 1,200 to 1,600 nm
    value: 98
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      wavelength: 1,200 to 1,600 nm
      temperature: 23 °C
    method: Printed as ≥ 98% @ 1,200-1,600 nm
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Optical Properties @ 23°C, Spectral Transmission row, third line
  - benchmark: pot_life
    label: Pot life after mixing
    value: 8
    unit: hours
    scope: material
    conditions:
      mix: '100 : 35 by weight'
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed as 8 Hours in the header table
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Pot Life row
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Part A
    value: 1.15
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      part: Part A
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed in the header table; temperature not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Specific Gravity, Part A row
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Part B
    value: 0.95
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      part: Part B
      temperature: not printed
    method: Printed in the header table; temperature not printed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Specific Gravity, Part B row
  - benchmark: mix_ratio
    label: Mix ratio, Part B parts per 100 parts Part A, by weight
    value: 35
    unit: parts Part B per 100 parts Part A by weight
    scope: material
    conditions:
      basis: 'printed as 100 : 35 by weight'
    method: 'Printed in the header table as Mix Ratio by Weight 100 : 35; the value recorded is the Part B figure'
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Mix Ratio by Weight row
  - benchmark: shelf_life
    label: Shelf life, bulk product
    value: 1
    unit: year
    scope: material
    conditions:
      product: bulk
      storage: room temperature
    method: Printed in words as One year at room temperature
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Shelf Life Bulk row
  - benchmark: shelf_life
    label: Shelf life, syringe
    value: 6
    unit: months
    scope: material
    conditions:
      product: single-component syringe
      storage: '-40 °C'
    method: Printed in words as Six months at -40°C
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Shelf Life Syringe row
  - benchmark: cure_temperature
    label: Recommended cure temperature
    value: 80
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      time: 3 hours
    method: Printed as Recommended Cure 80°C / 3 Hours
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Recommended Cure row
  - benchmark: cure_time
    label: Recommended cure time
    value: 3
    unit: hours
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 80 °C
    method: Printed as Recommended Cure 80°C / 3 Hours
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Recommended Cure row
  - benchmark: minimum_alternative_cure_time
    label: Minimum alternative cure time
    value: 48
    unit: hours
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 °C
    method: Printed as 23°C / 48 Hours; the datasheet says this minimum alternative cure may not achieve the performance properties listed
    status: ground
    source: tds-2021
    where: Header table, Minimum Alternative Cure(s) row
  - benchmark: storage_modulus
    label: Storage modulus, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: 298719
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: not printed
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as 298,719 psi in the older copy; a dynamic storage modulus; test temperature not printed
    note: The current datasheet prints 432,279 psi. The two revisions disagree and the datasheets give no reason.
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Typical Properties, Storage Modulus row
  - benchmark: die_shear_strength
    label: Die shear strength at 23 °C, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: 5100
    bound: lower
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 °C
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as ≥ 15 Kg / 5,100 psi in the older copy
    note: The current datasheet prints 5,334 psi. The two revisions disagree and the datasheets give no reason.
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Typical Properties, Die Shear Strength @ 23°C row
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Part A, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: 1.02
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      part: Part A
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as Part A 1.02 in the older copy; temperature not printed
    note: The current datasheet prints 1.15 for Part A.
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Specific Gravity row, Part A
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Part B, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: 0.89
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      part: Part B
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as Part B 0.89 in the older copy; temperature not printed
    note: The current datasheet prints 0.95 for Part B.
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Specific Gravity row, Part B
  - benchmark: max_service_temp
    label: Operating temperature, continuous, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: 200
    bound: upper
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      use: continuous
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as Continuous - 55°C to 200°C in the older copy; the current datasheet prints no continuous limit
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Operating Temperature rows, Continuous line
  - benchmark: min_service_temp
    label: Minimum operating temperature, older copy (Rev. X)
    value: -55
    bound: lower
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      use: continuous and intermittent
      revision: Rev. X, April 2010
    method: Printed as - 55°C for continuous and intermittent operation in the older copy
    status: ground
    source: tds-2010
    where: Operating Temperature rows
  - benchmark: uv_exposure_before_yellowing
    label: Continuous UV light exposure before yellowing (manufacturer claim)
    value: 17
    unit: days
    scope: material
    conditions:
      light: continuous UV light
    method: Printed on the product page as Can resist yellowing over 17 days of continuous UV light exposure; the light source and test method are not printed
    status: ground
    source: meridian-301-2-page
    where: Features tab
  - benchmark: total_mass_loss
    label: Total mass loss (TML), NASA outgassing test
    value: 2.62
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      cure_time: 24 H
      cure_temperature: 25 °C
      atmosphere: air
      data_reference: GSFC9724
      test: ASTM E 595 (identified in RP-1124 as E 595-77/84/90)
    method: Printed in the NASA table as %TML 2.62 for the EPO-TEK 301-2 row
    status: ground
    source: nasa-rp1124
    where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row (PDF page 30)
  - benchmark: collected_volatile_condensable_materials
    label: Collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM), NASA outgassing test
    value: 1.03
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      cure_time: 24 H
      cure_temperature: 25 °C
      atmosphere: air
      data_reference: GSFC9724
      test: ASTM E 595 (identified in RP-1124 as E 595-77/84/90)
    method: Printed in the NASA table as %CVCM 1.03 for the EPO-TEK 301-2 row
    status: ground
    source: nasa-rp1124
    where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row (PDF page 30)
  - benchmark: water_vapor_regained
    label: Water vapour regained (WVR), NASA outgassing test
    value: 0.2
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      cure_time: 24 H
      cure_temperature: 25 °C
      atmosphere: air
      data_reference: GSFC9724
    method: Printed in the NASA table as %WVR 0.20 for the EPO-TEK 301-2 row
    status: ground
    source: nasa-rp1124
    where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row (PDF page 30)
corrosion:
  - environment: Heating of the cured adhesive
    headline: The cured adhesive loses 0.01 % of its weight at 200 °C, 0.46 % at 250 °C and 2.19 % at 300 °C, per the current datasheet.
    effect: The datasheet gives no hold time or atmosphere for these figures, so they describe heating, not service life. The older copy prints the same three figures.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: weight loss figures; hold time and atmosphere not printed
      cure: 80 °C / 3 Hours
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Weight Loss rows
  - environment: Continuous UV light
    headline: The product page says it can resist yellowing over 17 days of continuous UV light exposure.
    effect: This is a manufacturer statement. The light source, yellowing index and test method are not printed.
    rating: unknown
    conditions:
      basis: manufacturer statement only
    source: meridian-301-2-page
    where: Features tab
  - environment: Ionic residue (chloride and sodium) in the cured adhesive
    headline: The datasheet prints 61 ppm chloride and 104 ppm sodium in the adhesive.
    effect: These are the only corrosion-related numbers printed. The datasheet gives no test method, no limit and no test against metal pads, so the corrosion effect of these ions is not quantified here.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      basis: Ion Content row only; no corrosion test printed
    source: tds-2021
    where: Physical Properties, Ion Content row
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: Part A (SDS revised May 2023) is classed Warning. It causes skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319) and may cause an allergic skin reaction (H317). It is toxic to aquatic life (H401) and toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411).
      ghs:
        - H315
        - H317
        - H319
        - H401
        - H411
      source: epotek-sds-partA
      where: Sections 2.1 and 2.2 (GHS US classification and label elements)
    - text: Part B (SDS revised May 2023) is classed Danger. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314), causes serious eye damage (H318), and is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412). Its main ingredient is polyoxypropylenediamine (CAS 9046-10-0).
      ghs:
        - H314
        - H318
        - H412
      source: epotek-sds-partB
      where: Sections 2.1 and 2.2; Section 3.2 for composition
    - text: Harmful dust may be released during cutting, milling or grinding of the product. The Part A SDS lists this as a hazard that does not result in classification.
      ghs: []
      source: epotek-sds-partA
      where: Section 2.3 (other hazards)
    - text: Part A's main ingredient is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin (CAS 1675-54-3). The Part A SDS prints no classification for acute oral, dermal or inhalation toxicity.
      ghs: []
      source: epotek-sds-partA
      where: Section 3.2 and Section 11.1
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Crystallised Part A
      trigger: Part A held in storage
      consequence: Crystals can form in the resin. The datasheet says to warm the container in an oven until the crystals disappear, and to let it cool to room temperature before mixing.
      severity: low
      source: tds-2021
      where: Notes at the top of the datasheet
    - mode: Mass loss when hot
      trigger: Cured adhesive held at 250 °C or 300 °C
      consequence: Weight loss of 0.46 % at 250 °C and 2.19 % at 300 °C, with no hold time printed. Volatile material leaves the cured joint.
      severity: moderate
      source: tds-2021
      where: Physical Properties, Weight Loss rows
    - mode: Changed performance after repackaging
      trigger: The material is moved into syringes, bi-paks, cartridges, pouches, tubes or other containers
      consequence: The manufacturer says rheology and other properties may differ from the datasheet, and its warranty does not apply to repackaged product.
      severity: low
      source: tds-2021
      where: Notes at the top of the datasheet
    - mode: Outgassing in vacuum
      trigger: Cured adhesive used near optics, sensors or contacts in vacuum
      consequence: In the NASA ASTM E 595 test, the collected volatile condensable material value is 1.03 %, so volatile matter can condense on nearby surfaces.
      severity: moderate
      source: nasa-rp1124
      where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row
  side_effects:
    - text: The cured epoxy gives off volatile condensable material (CVCM 1.03 % in the NASA test) when tested in vacuum.
      affects: Nearby optics, detectors and contacts in vacuum (not tested in the sources read)
      source: nasa-rp1124
      where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row
  handling:
    - text: 'Mix Part A and Part B 100 : 35 by weight and use the mix within 8 hours.'
      source: tds-2021
      where: Header table, Mix Ratio by Weight and Pot Life rows
    - text: Cure at 80 °C for 3 hours. A cure of 23 °C for 48 hours may not reach the performance printed in the datasheet.
      source: tds-2021
      where: Header table, Recommended Cure and Minimum Alternative Cure rows
    - text: Store the bulk product at room temperature, where the shelf life is one year, and the syringe form at -40 °C, where the shelf life is six months.
      source: tds-2021
      where: Header table, Shelf Life rows
    - text: Wear neoprene, nitrile or butyl gloves and safety glasses. Ensure good ventilation and avoid breathing dust, fume or vapour.
      source: epotek-sds-partA
      where: Sections 7.1 and 8.2 to 8.3 of the Part A SDS
    - text: Keep containers closed when not in use.
      source: tds-2021
      where: Notes at the top of the datasheet
    - text: Do not repackage the product into other containers without accepting that the manufacturer's warranty does not apply.
      source: tds-2021
      where: Notes at the top of the datasheet
  mitigations:
    - text: Cure at the recommended 80 °C for 3 hours rather than the minimum alternative cure, which the datasheet says may not achieve the printed performance.
      source: tds-2021
      where: Header table, Recommended Cure row
uses:
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Semiconductor packaging, including flip-chip underfill, glob-top encapsulation and wafer-level coating
    example: Underfill for flip chips, glob top encapsulation over wire bonds, and spin coating at wafer level including wafer level packaging, per the datasheet.
    source: tds-2021
    where: Advantages and Suggested Application Notes, semiconductor bullet
  - application: optics-and-cameras
    device: LCD and LED optics, for lamination, sealing and encapsulation
    example: Suggested for LCD optical lamination and sealing of glass plates, and for LED encapsulation. The datasheet says it can resist yellowing over 17 days of continuous UV light exposure.
    source: tds-2021
    where: Advantages and Suggested Application Notes, first bullets
  - application: optics-and-cameras
    device: Fibre optic assemblies
    example: Bundling fibres, terminating fibre into a ferrule, adhesive for mounting optics inside fibre components, and bonding a glass cover slip over a V-groove.
    source: tds-2021
    where: Advantages and Suggested Application Notes, fiber optic bullet
  - application: optics-and-cameras
    device: Low-stress bonding of optics inside OEM and scientific instruments
    example: The datasheet calls it a compliant adhesive that will be resistant to impact or vibrations, and a low stress adhesive for bonding optics inside OEM and scientific instruments.
    source: tds-2021
    where: Advantages and Suggested Application Notes, compliant adhesive bullet
  - application: optics-and-cameras
    device: Spacecraft optics and instruments where outgassing is screened
    example: NASA RP-1124 lists EPO-TEK 301-2 in its outgassing table with a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 % after a 24 H cure at 25 °C in air.
    source: nasa-rp1124
    where: Section 1 Adhesives table, EPO-TEK 301-2 row
supply:
  - subject: Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), the Part A resin
    abundance: 'Feedstock: BADGE is prepared by O-alkylation of bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. The Part B hardener, polyoxypropylenediamine, has no feedstock or producer data in the sources read. No producer volumes, country shares or critical-mineral status were found for either component.'
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    recycling: Not found in any source read.
    substitutes: []
    source: wiki-badge
    where: Production paragraph, first sentence
documents:
  - title: EPO-TEK 301-2 Technical Data Sheet, Rev. XVIII (February 2021)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/uennuicaaxt1bodtipkbpydtg0u8qs33/301-2.pdf
    year: 2021
  - title: EPO-TEK 301-2 Technical Data Sheet, Rev. X (April 2010), Fiber Optic Center copy
    type: datasheet
    url: https://focenter.com/media/wysiwyg/docs/Epoxy-Technology--Inc-Epo-Tek-301-2-General-Room-Temp-Cure-Epoxy-(25G)-Fiber-Optic-Center.pdf
    year: 2010
  - title: EPO-TEK 301-2 PART A Safety Data Sheet, revision 5/24/2023, version 2.0
    type: sds
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/sasu3c1vme36hgjycyb5zmy392qt8qye/301-2-sds.pdf
    year: 2023
  - title: EPO-TEK 301-2 PART B Safety Data Sheet, revision 5/24/2023, version 2.0
    type: sds
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/sasu3c1vme36hgjycyb5zmy392qt8qye/301-2-sds.pdf
    year: 2023
  - title: NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3, Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials
    type: report
    url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf
    year: 1993
  - title: PubChem compound record, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (CID 2286)
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/name/1675-54-3/property/MolecularFormula,MolecularWeight,IUPACName/JSON
gaps:
  - Volume resistivity and coefficient of thermal expansion are printed with a power-of-ten multiplier, so they are not recorded in this file.
  - Thermal conductivity, thixotropic index and particle size are printed as N/A in the datasheets, so no value is recorded.
  - No moisture absorption, humidity ageing, dielectric strength or adhesion data were printed in the datasheets read.
  - No space-environment data beyond the NASA outgassing row was found. No radiation, thermal cycling, flight heritage or cryogenic data was read in this run, although the Rev. X copy's supporting text mentions cryogenic cooling.
  - No outgassing test was read beyond the NASA RP-1124 row. The product page and the datasheet state a NASA approval and an ASTM test standard as claims; no test report was read.
  - The current datasheet (Rev. XVIII) and the older copy (Rev. X) disagree on die shear, storage modulus and Part A and Part B specific gravity. Both values are recorded side by side. The current datasheet prints no continuous service limit, while the older copy does.
  - The older copy claims the product is biocompatible and non-toxic and complies with USP Class VI for medical devices. No test report for that claim was read, and the current datasheet does not repeat it.
  - A different refractive index shown in a web search snippet was not fetched and is not recorded.
  - PubChem GHS classification for bisphenol A diglycidyl ether could not be read; the page returned a browser check. Hazards for this profile come from the Part A and Part B SDS.
  - No producer volumes, country shares, critical-mineral status, recycling or substitute data were found for either component in the sources read.
  - The degradation temperature method is not printed in the current datasheet; the older copy names TGA, which is not recorded as a separate row.
  - Some property names are not in the canonical file and are used as snake_case names, including mix_ratio, shelf_life, cure_temperature, cure_time, minimum_alternative_cure_time, total_mass_loss, collected_volatile_condensable_materials, water_vapor_regained, uv_exposure_before_yellowing, spectral_transmission, lap_shear_strength, die_shear_strength, shore_d_hardness, degradation_temperature, weight_loss, storage_modulus, pot_life, specific_gravity, chloride_ion_content and sodium_ion_content.
  - Shelf life values are printed in words in the datasheet (One year, Six months) and recorded as numbers with units.
  - No freely licensed photograph or diagram of EPO-TEK 301-2 was fetched, so the media block is omitted.
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-02'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 39
  unreachable: 0
  caveats: 4
  note: Read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-02 from the pages named in each entry. The current datasheet and the older copy disagree on several values; both are recorded. Shelf life is printed in words. The UV resistance is a manufacturer statement with no test method printed.
story:
  recipe:
    line: 'EPO-TEK 301-2 is a two-part epoxy: a bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin (Part A) and a polyoxypropylenediamine hardener (Part B), mixed 100 : 35 by weight. The datasheets and SDS do not give how either component is made.'
    parts:
      - name: Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin
        symbol: BADGE
        share_note: at least 60 % of Part A by weight, per the Part A SDS
        role: The epoxy resin that cures into a clear solid when mixed with Part B.
      - name: Polyoxypropylenediamine
        share_note: at least 60 % of Part B by weight, per the Part B SDS
        role: The hardener (Part B) that reacts with the epoxy resin to cure it.
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 3
      verdict: Part B causes severe skin burns and eye damage
      lead: Part B is the more hazardous of the two parts. Part A is an irritant and a sensitiser. Both SDSs call for gloves and eye protection.
      points:
        - label: Part B skin and eyes
          line: Part B causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314) and serious eye damage (H318). The SDS says to call a poison centre or doctor immediately if swallowed.
        - label: Part A skin
          line: Part A causes skin irritation (H315) and may cause an allergic skin reaction (H317). Use neoprene, nitrile or butyl gloves.
        - label: Dust
          line: Harmful dust may be released when the product is cut, milled or ground. Avoid breathing it.
    - title: 'Heat and vacuum: CVCM 1.03 %'
      level: 2
      verdict: 'Heat and vacuum mass loss: CVCM 1.03 %'
      lead: The cured epoxy loses weight when heated and gives off volatile material in vacuum. This is a limit on the design rather than a hazard to people.
      points:
        - label: Heating
          line: Weight loss is 0.46 % at 250 °C and 2.19 % at 300 °C, with no hold time printed.
        - label: Vacuum
          line: NASA RP-1124 records a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 % for a 24 H cure at 25 °C.
    - title: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
      level: 1
      verdict: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
      lead: Both parts carry aquatic hazard codes. Keep the product out of drains and waterways.
      points:
        - label: Part A
          line: Part A is toxic to aquatic life (H401) and toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411).
        - label: Part B
          line: Part B is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412).
  why: EPO-TEK 301-2 is a low-viscosity, optically transparent epoxy for bonding and encapsulating optics, fibres and chips. The current datasheet gives a viscosity of 225 - 425 cPs at 23 °C, a refractive index of 1.5318 at 589 nm and a pot life of 8 hours. The datasheet calls it a 'NASA approved, low outgassing epoxy', and NASA RP-1124 lists it in its outgassing table.
  uses:
    - where: Semiconductor packaging
      line: The datasheet lists underfill for flip chips, glob top encapsulation over wire bonds, and spin coating at wafer level. It is described as a semiconductor grade epoxy.
    - where: LCD and LED optics
      line: The datasheet suggests it for LCD optical lamination and sealing of glass plates, and for LED encapsulation. It can resist yellowing over 17 days of continuous UV light exposure, as the datasheet and product page both state.
    - where: Fibre optic assemblies
      line: The datasheet lists bundling fibres, terminating a fibre into a ferrule, and mounting optics inside fibre components as uses.
    - where: Spacecraft outgassing screening
      line: NASA RP-1124 lists EPO-TEK 301-2 with a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 % after a 24 H cure at 25 °C.
  can_do:
    - label: Pour and bond
      benchmark: viscosity
      value: 225 - 425 cPs
      line: Viscosity is 225 - 425 cPs at 23 °C at 100 rpm before cure, so the resin flows into small gaps. The datasheet marks the test as a lot acceptance test.
    - label: Carry light
      benchmark: spectral_transmission
      value: at least 99 %
      line: Transmission is at least 99 % from 400 to 1,200 nm and at least 94 % at 320 nm, per the current datasheet.
    - label: Cure in an oven
      benchmark: cure_temperature
      value: 80 °C for 3 hours
      line: The recommended cure is 80 °C for 3 hours. The datasheet says a cure of 23 °C for 48 hours may not reach the printed performance.
    - label: Hold a bond
      benchmark: lap_shear_strength
      value: more than 2,000 psi
      line: Lap shear is more than 2,000 psi at 23 °C. Die shear is 5,334 psi in the current datasheet and 5,100 psi in the older copy.
    - label: Survive heat
      benchmark: degradation_temperature
      value: 360 °C
      line: The datasheet prints a degradation temperature of 360 °C. Weight loss is 0.01 % at 200 °C, 0.46 % at 250 °C and 2.19 % at 300 °C.
    - label: Limit outgassing
      benchmark: total_mass_loss
      value: 2.62 %
      line: NASA RP-1124 records a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 % for this grade.
  compare: Compared with the older copy (Rev. X), the current datasheet (Rev. XVIII) prints a higher storage modulus (432,279 psi against 298,719 psi), a higher die shear (5,334 psi against 5,100 psi) and higher specific gravities (1.15 and 0.95 for Parts A and B, against 1.02 and 0.89). Both revisions print the same refractive index of 1.5318 at 589 nm. In the NASA outgassing table the CVCM of 1.03 % is above the ceiling that RP-1124 sets for its Section C list, so this adhesive does not qualify for that list. The older copy gives a continuous service limit of 200 °C; the current datasheet prints no continuous limit.
  compare_rows:
    - label: Viscosity
      benchmark: viscosity
    - label: Refractive index
      benchmark: refractive_index
    - label: Collected volatile condensable materials
      benchmark: collected_volatile_condensable_materials
  handling:
    - 'Mix Part A and Part B 100 : 35 by weight and use the mix within 8 hours.'
    - Cure at 80 °C for 3 hours. A cure of 23 °C for 48 hours may not reach the performance printed in the datasheet.
    - Store the bulk product at room temperature, where the shelf life is one year, and the syringe form at -40 °C, where the shelf life is six months.
    - If Part A crystallises, warm the container in an oven until the crystals disappear, and let it cool to room temperature before mixing.
    - Wear neoprene, nitrile or butyl gloves and safety glasses, and avoid breathing dust, fume or vapour.
    - Keep containers closed when not in use. Do not repackage the product without accepting that the warranty does not apply.
  good_for:
    - Optical bonding and sealing where light passes through the joint, with at least 99 % transmission from 400 to 1,200 nm (current datasheet).
    - Flip-chip underfill, glob-top encapsulation over wire bonds and wafer-level coating, as the datasheet describes.
    - Fibre and lens assembly where a low-viscosity epoxy with an 8 hour pot life is needed.
  watch_out:
    - The current datasheet and the older copy disagree on die shear (5,334 psi against 5,100 psi), storage modulus (432,279 psi against 298,719 psi) and Part A specific gravity (1.15 against 1.02). Both values are recorded and the datasheets give no reason.
    - The older copy says the product is biocompatible and non-toxic and complies with USP Class VI for medical devices. The current datasheet does not repeat that claim, and no test report was read.
    - 'Heat: the current datasheet prints a suggested intermittent limit of less than 300 °C and no continuous limit, while the older copy prints 200 °C as a continuous limit.'
    - 'Outgassing: NASA RP-1124 records a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 %. The NASA approval wording on the datasheet is a claim, not a test result.'
  verdict: EPO-TEK 301-2 is an optically clear two-part epoxy, with a refractive index of 1.5318 at 589 nm and transmission of at least 99 % from 400 to 1,200 nm in the current datasheet. NASA RP-1124 records a total mass loss of 2.62 % and a CVCM of 1.03 % for it, so any vacuum use needs that test data in the design review.
sources:
  tds-2021:
    title: EPO-TEK 301-2 Technical Data Sheet, Rev. XVIII (February 2021)
    id: Epoxy Technology, Inc. EPO-TEK 301-2 TDS, Rev. XVIII, February 2021
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/uennuicaaxt1bodtipkbpydtg0u8qs33/301-2.pdf
    year: 2021
    kind: datasheet
    license: manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced
  tds-2010:
    title: EPO-TEK 301-2 Technical Data Sheet, Rev. X (April 2010), Fiber Optic Center copy
    id: Epoxy Technology, Inc. EPO-TEK 301-2 TDS, Rev. X, April 2010 (copy)
    url: https://focenter.com/media/wysiwyg/docs/Epoxy-Technology--Inc-Epo-Tek-301-2-General-Room-Temp-Cure-Epoxy-(25G)-Fiber-Optic-Center.pdf
    year: 2010
    kind: datasheet
    license: manufacturer datasheet copy, cited not reproduced
  meridian-301-2-page:
    title: EPO-TEK 301-2, Optically Transparent Epoxy Resin, product page, Meridian Adhesives
    id: Meridian Adhesives product page for EPO-TEK 301-2
    url: https://meridianadhesives.com/products/epo-tek-301-2/
    kind: web
    license: distributor web page, linked not reproduced
  epotek-sds-partA:
    title: EPO-TEK 301-2 PART A Safety Data Sheet, revision 5/24/2023, version 2.0
    id: Revision 5/24/2023; issue 5/18/2022; version 2.0
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/sasu3c1vme36hgjycyb5zmy392qt8qye/301-2-sds.pdf
    year: 2023
    kind: datasheet
    license: supplier SDS, linked not reproduced
  epotek-sds-partB:
    title: EPO-TEK 301-2 PART B Safety Data Sheet, revision 5/24/2023, version 2.0
    id: Revision 5/24/2023; issue 5/18/2022; version 2.0 (Part B section of the same file)
    url: https://products.meridianadhesives.com/storage/downloads/sasu3c1vme36hgjycyb5zmy392qt8qye/301-2-sds.pdf
    year: 2023
    kind: datasheet
    license: supplier SDS, linked not reproduced
  nasa-rp1124:
    title: NASA Reference Publication 1124, Revision 3, Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials
    id: NASA RP-1124 Rev 3, Campbell and Scialdone, Goddard Space Flight Center; NTRS 19940017416
    url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19940017416/downloads/19940017416.pdf
    year: 1993
    kind: report
    license: NASA public document
  wiki-badge:
    title: Wikipedia, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A_diglycidyl_ether
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA, cited for production and composition only
  pubchem-badge:
    title: PubChem compound record, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (CID 2286)
    id: PubChem CID 2286; CAS 1675-54-3
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/name/1675-54-3/property/MolecularFormula,MolecularWeight,IUPACName/JSON
    kind: database
    license: public database record, linked not reproduced