Is there a transparent plastic that can withstand cryogenic splashing?

[Fr3nch]

Im building an enclosure for a cryogenic device to guard against cryogenic liquid splashing asphyxiation hazards. The enclosure is a 6' cube and we need to be able to see through the walls. The walls will get cold, but wont be directly exposed to cryogenic liquid unless there is a serious problem. Some ballistics protection would be an advantage too, but its not critical. Any recommendations for materials?

 

[Demon3]

How stiff does it need to be? The best resistance will come from a rubber, i.e. a transparent silicone. Plastics will become so brittle that when cooled that quickly they will probably break. Take a liquid nitrogen source and spray it on some plastics (in a well ventilated area) to see how they resist.

Dr. Chris DeArmitt

Plastics consultant to the Fortune 500:

http://www.phantomplastics.com

Webinars on plastics, fillers & impact modification:

http://www.plastictraining.com

 

[Compositepro]

ptfe is the most common plastic I see used in cryogenics, but it is not clear. FEP film is clear and appears to also have very good cryogenic properties.

http://www2.dupont.com/KIV/zh_CN/assets/downloads/DuPont_Teflon_FEP_Film_Tech_Bulletin_K26942.pdf

 

[MikeHalloran]

I'd try several layers of polycarbonate, separated by air gaps.

I'd expect the innermost layer to shatter easily, and the outer, warmer layers to provide some ballistic protection.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Demon3]

Mikes right that polycarbonate is good against impact and used for ballistic applications. Test that with liquid nitrogen and see what happens.

Dr. Chris DeArmitt

Plastics consultant to the Fortune 500:

http://www.phantomplastics.com

Webinars on plastics, fillers & impact modification:

http://www.plastictraining.com

 

[MikeHalloran]

On second thought, I'd make the innermost and outermost layers from acrylic, which can withstand application of common household cleaning products.

Polycarbonate is spectacularly _not_ resistant to an amazing assortment of common chemicals. Worse, it will not show any immediate effects, but will later shatter like tempered glass when a little stress is applied, i.e., just when you need its toughness for ballistic applications, it will be gone.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA