STRENGTHENING OF GLASS RODS AND BOTTLES WITH WATER-BASED EPOXY ACRYLATE COATINGS

The development of photocured, water based, epoxy acrylate coatings to negate the deleterious effect surface flaws have on the strength of g lass is reported. Strengthening of both (a) glass rods that have been damaged in a controlled fashion and (b) production line bottles is dem onstrated. In both cases strengthening was achieved whether the coatin gs were applied by dipping or spraying. The maximum degree of strength ening was obtained with either a preheat treatment of the coated glass before a uv cure or a thermal postcure of the coatings. The coating s ystem included a silane coupling agent to improve the hydrolytic durab ility of the coatings and the concentration of this coupling agent was also found to effect the degree of strengthening achieved with the co atings.