Adhesive compositions including partially cross-linked resins and thermoset resins and methods for use thereof

A ferrule adhesion system for use in an optical connector for terminating an optical fiber, the ferrule adhesion system comprising a ferrule and an adhesive composition, wherein:

• the ferrule comprises a fiber receiving passage defining an inner surface;
• the adhesive composition is disposed within the ferrule and in contact with the inner surface of the ferrule;
• the adhesive composition comprises a partially cross-linkable resin and a thermoset resin, wherein the partially cross-linkable resin only partially cross-link when heated to about 350° C om the [ presence of air;
• and the adhesive composition comprises between about 1 to about 85 parts by weight of the thermoset resin per 9 parts by weight of the partially cross-linked resin, wherein the partially cross-linked resin comprises poly(phenylene sulfide).

A method for securing a optical fiber to a ferrule of an optical connector, the method comprising the steps of:

• supplying a ferrule adhesion system, the ferrule adhesion system comprising the ferrule and an adhesive composition;
• heating the adhesive composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the adhesive composition;
• inserting the optical fiber into a fiber-receiving passage defining an inner surface of the ferrule and into contact with the adhesive composition;
• and
• cooling the adhesive composition;
• wherein:
• the adhesive composition is disposed within the ferrule and in contact with the inner surface of the ferrule;
• the adhesive composition comprises a partially cross-linkable resin and a thermoset resin prior to the heating step;
• some of the cross-linkable resin is cross-linked and at least about 5% by weight of the partially cross-linkable resin is not cross-linked following the heating step;
• and
• the adhesive composition comprises between about 1 to about 85 parts by weight of the thermoset resin per 100 parts by weight of the partially cross-linkable resin.