Silicate Bonding Procedure (Hydroxide-Catalysis Bonding)

Document #:

LIGO-E050228-v2

Document type:

E - Engineering documents

Abstract:

Hydroxide-catalysis bonding is the process by which a hydroxide, Na in our application, catalyzes the silica surface by hydration and dehydration.
This document describes the procedure to join two pieces of glass using this bonding technique referred to as “silicate bonding”.
Because the surfaces are required to be in close contact to bond, a flatness of λ/10 is required on the surfaces to maximize bond strength.
The surfaces must be free of particles, thus, the bonding must take place under a Class 100 laminar flow bench.
Operator must be dressed in clean room attire.
Frock, boots, head cover, facemask, and approved cleanroom gloves are required.

Files in Document:

• E050228-v2_Silicate_bonding_procedure.pdf (81.6 kB)

Other Files:

• E050228_Silicate_bonding_procedure.doc (445.5 kB)

Topics:

• Suspensions
• Basic R&D

Authors:

• Marielle van Veggel

Keywords:

aLIGO suspensions quad suspension monolithic suspension ETM/ITM PM bonding

Notes and Changes:

09/16/05: The first version of this document was written by Helena Armandula and reviewed by Caroline Cantley in 2005.
08/31/10: The document was updated due to advances in the hydroxide preparation procedure. Also, the recommended hydroxide ratio has changed. Strength measurements have shown that a 1:6 volumetric ratio of the commercially available sodium silicate solution to DI water gives stronger bonds on average than 1:4 solutions do (Elliffe et al. Class. Quant. Grav., 2005 and recent results Karen Haughian).

Referenced by: