Cryogenic Industry Thermoset Composites

Cryogenics

In cryogenics, materials are used, stored, produced, and transported at extremely cold temperatures — below minus 160 degrees Celsius. Cryogenics freezes materials to a temperature that turns gas into liquid. The temperature required varies based on the type of gas because some gases need much colder temperatures than others to convert from gas to liquid form.

The production of cryogenic equipment requires compatible materials that can withstand temperature extremes. Atlas Fibre has thermoset composite laminate shapes and parts that are suitable for use in frigid temperatures. We work with our cryogenic customers to help them choose materials that minimize complexity and contain costs.

Benefits of Cryogenic Compatible Materials

Thermoset composite materials are ideal for use in demanding environments due to their physical and chemical properties.

Low thermal creep materials and cryogenic plastics offer multiple benefits to the industry, including:

Insulation: It’s critical that cryogenic piping and pumps are insulated and protected from the extreme cold. Composite materials offer thermal insulation, safeguarding equipment from below-freezing temperatures. Additionally, composite materials provide excellent electrical insulation.
Weight: Thermoset composites weigh much less than metal. Due to their reduced weight, the materials help to improve costs.
Strength: G10 cryo and other composite materials have a high strength-to-weight ratio. For example, G10, a type of glass epoxy composite, has a tensile strength-to-weight ratio nearly twice that of aluminum. Their strength allows them to perform well as structural elements in cryogenic equipment.

Thermal expansion: Cryogenic grade thermoset composite materials have extremely low thermal expansion and remain stable at low temperatures.
Temperature tolerance: Cryogenic equipment experiences prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures and must withstand extreme cold. Thermoset composites have a high temperature tolerance and can withstand the extreme temperatures of cryogenics.
Corrosion resistance: Corrosion occurs when oxygen gradually destroys materials, weakening metals over time. Thermoset composites resist corrosion. The addition of a resin binder enhances the material’s corrosion resistance.
Flexibility: Atlas Fibre works with each of our customers to create materials and parts that fit their unique designs. We can machine phenolic and glass thermosets as well as thermoplastic for the aerospace industry.

Uses for Cryogenic Composites

Thermoset composites, such as cryogenic grade G10, make up many of the parts used in cryogenic equipment, including:

Piping
Sensors
Pumps
Containers
Valves
Winding insulators

Custom and In-Stock Materials for the Cryogenics Industry

Atlas Fibre is the leading supplier of thermoset composite and cryogenic compatible material in the country. We have the largest selection of in-stock materials available in the USA, including a 120,000-square-foot warehouse with more than $8 million worth of inventory. Our partner facilities in Massachusetts and Hyderabad, India, have an additional $5,000,000 in raw materials.

We fabricate parts to your custom specifications with machine-ready precision blanks. Since we’re also a resource center, we can help you choose the most cryogenic-compatible materials. Turn to our team with any questions about composite materials and their benefits and use in cryogenics.

Markets Served at Atlas Fibre

Atlas Fibre has 100% of the capabilities needed to turn raw material into a finished component, making us a formidable vertically integrated company. A wide array of markets require thermoset composites due to their diverse properties. At Atlas Fibre, we cater to those sectors, providing versatile, high-strength thermoset composites to suit unique applications.