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Abstract

Coated optical fibers with radiation-curable coatings which include mercaptofunctional oligomers are disclosed. Specifically, the coatings may comprise the cured reaction products of mercapto-terminated urethane oligomers of number average molecular weight as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of at least about 3,000 daltons, particularly in combination with one or more (meth)acrylate-terminated urethane oligomers; monomer diluents; and optional silane adhesion promoter, photoinitiator and stabilizers. The coatings, when cured, exhibit a percent extractables content, as obtained by Soxhlet extraction, of no more than about 15%, and preferably of no more than about 8%, and a volatiles content, as obtained by thermogravimetric analysis, of less than about 7%, and preferably less than about 3%. Processes for preparing such coated optical fibers and the coatings per se are also disclosed.

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