EP42HT-2LTE: Utilized to Bond Optical Components while Minimizing Thermal Stress and Shrinkage in Space Applications

Overview of EP42HT-2LTE

Master Bond EP42HT-2LTE is a two-component epoxy system characterized by an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion, extremely low shrinkage, excellent dimensional stability, and strong adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including metals, ceramics, glass, and composites. It passes NASA low-outgassing requirements, making it suitable for vacuum and optics applications in space, where minimizing thermal stress, shrinkage-induced deformation, and contamination are critical for reliable performance.

Application

Adhesively bonded joints are used in space applications to bond dissimilar materials because they efficiently transfer loads and reduce structural weight. The adhesives must remain durable under extreme thermal cycling, radiation, and vacuum of space, which requires that adhesively bonded joints be evaluated using different surface treatments, materials, and curing conditions. A thesis from Politecnico di Milano used a combination of experiments and advanced finite element simulations to evaluate EP42HT-2LTE’s suitability for installing optical fibers and as an adhesive applied to a complex component of a telescope.

To read about the key parameters, requirements, and results, please download the full case study.

Download full case study

Reference

Fiodo, E. Adhesive Bonded Joints in Space: Technical Overview of Behavior, Modeling, and Application Problems; Thesis, Politecnico di Milano, 2025. https://www.politesi.polimi.it/handle/10589/234720