Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly‐Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) at Cryogenic Temperatures

Abstract

Poly‐diCylopentadiene (poly‐DCPD) resins are widely used because of their excellent physical and mechanical properties and their compatibility with various molding techniques. Poly‐DCPD’s ability to be rotationally molded has generated the potential for this crosslinked thermoset polymer to be used for cryogenic tanks. In turn, this has generated the need for cryogenic materials property data on these resins. In a collaborative research agreement between the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) and Cymetech LLC, five different variations of poly‐DCPD have been thermally and mechanically characterized. Specifically, the tensile, compressive, shear and flexural properties have been measured at 77 K, as well as thermal contraction to 77 and 4 K. There are subtle differences in the properties between each formulation and larger discrepancies when compared to cryogenic data for other polymers. The thermal contraction to 77 K and elastic modulus are typical compared to other epoxies and polyester while the 77 K strength and elongation to failure are superior. The high strengths and elongations are good indicators that poly‐DCPD also has good toughness — an important property in many low temperature applications. This initial cryogenic properties database for poly‐DCPD allows it to be considered as a neat polymer in cryogenic applications, as well as an excellent matrix material for fiber reinforced composites in cryogenic applications.Poly‐diCylopentadiene (poly‐DCPD) resins are widely used because of their excellent physical and mechanical properties and their compatibility with various molding techniques. Poly‐DCPD’s ability to be rotationally molded has generated the potential for this crosslinked thermoset polymer to be used for cryogenic tanks. In turn, this has generated the need for cryogenic materials property data on these resins. In a collaborative research agreement between the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) and Cymetech LLC, five different variations of poly‐DCPD have been thermally and mechanically characterized. Specifically, the tensile, compressive, shear and flexural properties have been measured at 77 K, as well as thermal contraction to 77 and 4 K. There are subtle differences in the properties between each formulation and larger discrepancies when compared to cryogenic data for other polymers. The thermal contraction to 77 K and elastic modulus are typical compared to other epoxies and polyester whi...