Tailoring of insulation and adhesives for superconducting magnets and devices

Polymer-based insulation and adhesives are integral components of supercond ucting devices. These materials primarily provide mechanical strength and e lectrical insulation. Specialized formulations and evaluation techniques ha ve been employed to make these materials suitable for the harsh cryogenic e nvironment. Many devices require specialized or unique properties or proces sing. Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) has developed substantia l capability to tailor these products for use at cryogenic temperatures. Ta iloring can provide enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. In addit ion, products can be tailored to provide more cost effective processing. Fu rthermore, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, adhesion, and several o ther properties can also be tailored. Product tailoring techniques, test me thods, product performance characteristics and processing parameters will b e discussed in the context of several case studies.