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White PaperAerospace

Adhesives for Cryogenic Applications

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What are the challenges facing applications that operate at cryogenic temperatures? What effect do these low temperatures have on efforts to bond, seal, coat or encapsulate these applications? In this paper, learn how specialized adhesives meet the performance requirements necessary to maintain the physical, thermal and electrical properties as temperatures approaching absolute zero.


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Overview

The white paper titled "Adhesives for Cryogenic Applications" by Master Bond Inc. discusses the critical role of specialized adhesives in environments characterized by extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C. It highlights the challenges posed by cryogenic conditions, such as the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of materials, which can lead to loss of tensile toughness and increased brittleness.

The paper emphasizes the importance of adhesives, sealants, and encapsulants in various applications, including aerospace, medical technologies, and industrial processes. For instance, liquid helium is used in MRI machines, while liquid nitrogen is employed in food processing and cryosurgery. These applications require adhesives that can withstand harsh conditions, including thermal cycling and exposure to cryogenic gases.

Master Bond's epoxy systems are designed to meet these demanding requirements. The paper details how these epoxies can be blended with specialized filler materials, such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, to enhance their thermal conductivity, strength, and durability. The use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in combination with aluminum nitride is also explored, as this combination significantly improves thermal conductivity.

The document outlines the performance characteristics necessary for adhesives in cryogenic applications, including low-temperature bonding capabilities, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal expansion mismatches. It concludes by underscoring the diverse challenges associated with cryogenic applications and the need for robust adhesive solutions that can maintain performance under extreme conditions.

Overall, the white paper serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the significance of specialty adhesives in cryogenic environments, detailing their formulation, performance, and the innovative approaches being explored to enhance their effectiveness in critical applications.