Radiation Stable, Low Viscosity Impregnating Resin Systems for Cryogenic Applications

Abstract

The structural features that are necessary to provide radiation stability in epoxide resin systems are well established. However, in general, radiation stable resin systems are highly viscous and are not suitable for vacuum impregnation or “wet winding” applications. In the past, the use of resins that are stable to ionising radiation has been limited to those applications where pre-impregnated fibres and fabrics can be used. The understanding of the relationship of chemical structure to radiation stability, has enabled new materials to be identified that may, predictably, be resistant to ionising radiation. This paper describes the structure and processing characteristics of a number of resin systems that have long useable life, low viscosity and a range of properties that render them suitable for vacuum impregnation of magnet coils and other structures, or for “wet winding” applications. The paper reports the physical and mechanical properties of resins and composites at temperatures down to 77K.