Material characterization at cryogenic temperatures

Using composites at cold temperatures provides many advantages, among other things, you can control the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) through fiber arrangement and fiber selection. Through e.g. the use of carbon fiber composites, you can even obtain a negative CTE. This property makes the material suitable for applications where shape stability is important at high temperature changes (antennas, fixtures, aerospace applications, hydrogen systems).

RISE has as one of its focus areas to develop materials and characterization methods for these applications. Mechanical characterization of composite materials at low temperatures is made using liquid nitrogen. The characterization methods available are DMA and a hydraulic tensile testing machine. DMA is a DMA Q800 from TA instruments with associated GCA (Gas Cooling Accessory). With the help of this equipment, materials can be characterized in the temperature range of -150°C to 600°C.  The materials can be characterized in double and single cantilever, 3-point bending, tension, shear and compression.

The hydraulic tensile test machine is an INSTRON with associated climate cabinet from the same manufacturer. This equipment can perform mechanical characterization in the temperature range of -150 to +350°C. Since it is a hydraulic test machine, you can also perform dynamic fatigue tests within the temperature range. Several fixtures are available.

More information: Provning och utveckling av kompositmaterial och tillverkningsmetoder